regulate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to control an activity or process by using official rules or laws.
to control or direct a process, industry, or activity according to a set of rules, principles, or legislation.
Simple“The government needs to regulate the banking industry to prevent another financial crisis.”
In context“National authorities must regulate the disposal of industrial waste to ensure that local ecosystems are protected from chemical contamination.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice when discussing industries or markets.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to adjust a piece of equipment so that it works at the right speed or temperature.
to adjust a mechanism or physical system to ensure accurate and proper functioning.
Simple“This valve helps to regulate the flow of water through the pipes.”
In context“The internal thermostat is designed to regulate the temperature of the server room, preventing the hardware from overheating during peak usage.”
UsageTakes a direct object, usually a physical property like 'flow', 'temperature', or 'pressure'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
the way a living thing controls its own internal systems, like body heat.
to govern or direct the internal physiological processes of an organism.
Simple“Sweating is one way the human body helps to regulate its temperature.”
In context“The endocrine system works to regulate various biological functions by releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream.”
Synonyms
Usage regulate body · regulate your temperature · regulate activity
“He also bought a pack of survival blankets - often used to help athletes regulate their body temperature - and places them on the remaining windows.”
“Natural fibres like cotton and linen help to regulate body temperature and loose-fitting clothing allows room for the breeze to cool you down.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.