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REFERENCE

control

n. · v.
US //kənˈtɹoʊɫ// UK //kəntɹˈəʊl// con·trol
  1. 1 power or authority (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the power to make decisions about how something is run or how people behave.

    the power to influence or direct people's behaviour or the course of events. Often uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    The new manager is now in control of the entire sales department.

    Example

    The military junta struggled to maintain control over the remote provinces as communication lines were repeatedly severed by the opposition.
    • powerlessness
    • subservience
  2. 2 mechanical switches (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Technical

    the switches, buttons, or levers that you use to operate a machine or vehicle.

    the physical interface or mechanisms used to regulate the operation of a machine, aircraft, or electronic system.

    Example

    The pilot sat at the controls and prepared the plane for takeoff.

    Example

    The operator monitored the reactor's controls, ready to initiate an emergency shutdown if the pressure exceeded safety thresholds.
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  1. 3 self-restraint (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the ability to stay calm and hide your strong feelings.

    the ability to restrain one's emotions, impulses, or physical movements.

    Example

    It took a lot of control for him not to get angry during the argument.

    Example

    Despite the provocative questioning from the press, the minister maintained perfect control and refused to be drawn into a public spat.
    • impulsiveness
  2. 4 scientific standard (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    a group or subject in an experiment that is not changed, used to compare results.

    a person, group, or event used as a standard of comparison for checking the results of a survey or experiment.

    Example

    One group received the new medicine, while the control group received a sugar pill.

    Example

    The researchers established a rigorous control to ensure that the observed growth was due to the nutrient solution rather than environmental factors.
  3. 5 to manage or direct (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to order, limit, or rule something or someone.

    to exercise authoritative or dominating influence over a person, organisation, or process.

    Example

    The government tried to control the price of bread to help the poor.

    Example

    The central bank raised interest rates in a strategic attempt to control inflation and stabilise the national currency.
  4. 6 to restrain (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to stop something from increasing or spreading, or to keep your feelings hidden.

    to hold in check or curb a physical process or an emotional impulse.

    Example

    Firefighters worked through the night to control the forest fire.

    Example

    She struggled to control her laughter when she saw his ridiculous costume, eventually having to leave the room to compose herself.
Origin

From Middle English controllen, from Old French contrerole, from Medieval Latin contrārotulum (“a counter-roll or register used to verify accounts”), from Latin contrā (“against, opposite”) + Medieval Latin rotulus, Latin rotula (“roll, a little wheel”), diminutive of rota (“a wheel”). Partly displaced native Old English wealdan and Old English wieldan, whence their merged reflex English wield.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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