ENGLISH
REFERENCE

regulate

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɹɛɡjəˌɫeɪt// UK //ɹˈɛɡjuːlˌeɪt// reg·u·late Academic General-service

v. to control an activity or process by using rules. You use this when a government or organization makes sure things are done safely and fairly.

v. to control or supervise a process or activity by means of rules and regulations. Often implies the maintenance of a specific standard or the management of a system's speed, temperature, or pressure.


SIMPLE

The government needs to regulate the price of electricity.

CONTEXTUAL

New laws were passed to regulate how companies handle the private data of their customers.

COMPLEX

The body uses complex hormonal signals to regulate blood sugar levels, ensuring that energy is distributed efficiently to vital organs during periods of physical exertion.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Latin regulatus, perfect passive participle of regulō (“to direct, rule, regulate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from regula (“rule”), from regō (“to keep straight, direct, govern, rule”). Compare regle, rail. Displaced native Old English metegian.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. It is frequently used in passive constructions when discussing government policy.

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