control

power to direct or determine; "under control"

a relation of constraint of one entity (thing or person or group) by another; "measures for the control of disease"; "they instituted controls over drinking on campus"

(physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc; "the timing and control of his movements were unimpaired"; "he had lost control of his sphincters"

a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment; "the control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw"

the activity of managing or exerting control over something; "the control of the mob by the police was admirable"

the state that exists when one person or group has power over another; "her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her"

discipline in personal and social activities; "he was a model of polite restraint"; "she never lost control of herself"

great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity; "a good command of French"

a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine; "the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly"; "I turned the controls over to her"

a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance

the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.; "they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls"

exercise authoritative control or power over; "control the budget"; "Command the military forces"

lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits; "moderate your alcohol intake"; "hold your tongue"; "hold your temper"; "control your anger"

handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever"

control (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage; "She manipulates her boss"; "She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up"; "The teacher knew how to keep the class in line"; "she keeps in line"

check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard; "Are you controlling for the temperature?"

verify by using a duplicate register for comparison; "control an account"

be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something; "He verified that the valves were closed"; "See that the curtains are closed"; "control the quality of the product"

have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of; "Do you control these data?"