Regulate
/ˈreɡjʊleɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo control or supervise by means of rules and regulations.
/ˈreɡjʊleɪt/
To control or maintain the rate or speed of something.
The government regulates the use of pesticides.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in charge of the music at a party. If you regulate the volume, you're controlling how loud or soft it is to make sure everyone enjoys it. Like, the city council regulates traffic to keep things safe and orderly, and a doctor regulates your medicine dosage to keep you healthy.
👶 For kids: To make something work the way it should, like turning a knob to make the water hotter or colder.
More Examples
A healthy diet helps regulate blood sugar levels.
The speed governor on the car regulates how fast it can go.
How It's Used
"The company is trying to regulate its spending to avoid debt."
"The thermostat regulates the temperature of the room."
To control or supervise (something) by means of rules and regulations.
/ˈreɡjʊleɪt/
To bring under the control of law or authority.
The state regulates the sale of alcohol.
💡 Simply: Imagine the government creating rules about how banks can lend money. They do this to 'regulate' the banks, making sure things are fair and prevent risky behavior. Similarly, you regulate the amount of sugar in your coffee, or a school regulates student behavior by setting guidelines for the classroom
👶 For kids: To make rules about something, like a teacher making rules for the classroom.
More Examples
The company is trying to regulate its marketing practices to comply with the law.
Environmental laws regulate pollution.
How It's Used
"The new law aims to regulate the financial industry."
"The government is debating how to regulate the use of social media."
Idioms & expressions
self-regulate
To control one's own behavior, emotions, or impulses.
"Children learn to self-regulate as they mature."
regulate traffic
To control the flow of vehicles on a road or highway.
"Police officers regulate traffic during rush hour to prevent congestion."
From Latin *regulare* 'to direct, control', from *regula* 'rule, straight line'.
The word 'regulate' started to appear in English around the 16th century, initially to describe controlling something by rule.
Memory tip
Think of a regulator controlling the flow of something.
Word Origin
"to direct, make straight; to control, to rule"