Controlled
/kənˈtroʊld/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo exercise restraint or direction over; to have command of.
/kənˈtroʊld/
To regulate, manage, or direct
The pilot carefully controlled the aircraft during the turbulence.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and you have a joystick. If the joystick is good and you can move your character around in exactly the way you want, you're controlling them! It's like being in charge of something.
👶 For kids: To be in charge of something or tell it what to do.
More Examples
The manager controlled the team's workflow to meet deadlines.
She learned to control her emotions during stressful situations.
How It's Used
"The engineers controlled the flow of water through the dam."
"The government controlled the media during the crisis."
"The company controlled its expenses to maximize profits."
Subject to restraint or direction; managed; regulated.
/kənˈtroʊld/
Restrained or kept under check
She exhibited a controlled demeanor despite the pressure.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and you eat a small amount of food and drink just enough water so you don't get too full and bloated. If you did that, you would have controlled your intake! It's when something is handled in a careful or planned way.
👶 For kids: When something is kept in check or under your rules.
More Examples
The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment.
The government established controlled access to the park.
How It's Used
"The therapist helped the patient develop a more controlled response to anxiety."
"The controlled burn helped prevent larger wildfires."
"The company implemented a controlled budget to manage its finances."
Idioms & expressions
out of control
Impossible to manage or direct; not controlled; chaotic.
"The fire was quickly getting out of control."
under control
Managed, regulated, or contained effectively; in a state of being handled well.
"The situation is finally under control."
From Middle French *contreroller* (to check the rolls of an account), from *contre-* (against, counter) + *rolle* (roll, register).
The word 'controlled' has been in use since the 17th century, initially relating to checking and verifying accounts, evolving to encompass a broader range of meanings concerning management and restraint.
Memory tip
Think of a remote control – it lets you control a TV.