Regulating
ˈreɡjəleɪtɪŋ
Definitions
To control or supervise by means of rules and regulations.
ˈreɡjəleɪt
To control or maintain something according to a rule or standard.
The new law aims to regulate the use of social media platforms.
💡 Simply: It's like setting rules for something to keep it in line. Imagine your parents setting a bedtime so you're not up playing video games all night.
👶 For kids: To make something work the right way, like a grown-up telling you when to go to bed.
More Examples
The central bank regulates the money supply to control inflation.
Engineers are working on ways to regulate the flow of water in the dam.
How It's Used
"The government regulates the financial markets to prevent fraud."
"The body regulates its temperature through sweating and shivering."
Synonyms
From Latin *regulare* ('to direct, rule'), from *regula* ('rule, straight piece of wood').
The word 'regulate' has been used since the 16th century, originally with the sense of putting something into good order, often in the context of administrative or governmental actions.
Memory tip
Think of a thermostat regulating temperature in a room.