regulate

Verb
Synonyms: modulateregularizeregulariseordergoverndetermineshapemoldinfluencebaffle

WordNet 3.0

Verb (4)

  1. fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate of“regulate the temperature”“modulate the pitch”Synonyms: modulate
  2. bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations“We cannot regulate the way people dress”“This town likes to regulate”Synonyms: regularizeregulariseordergovern
  3. shape or influence; give direction to“experience often determines ability”“mold public opinion”Synonyms: determineshapemoldinfluence
  4. check the emission of (sound)Synonyms: baffle
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Regulate \Reg"u*late\ (-l[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Regulated (-l[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Regulating.] [L. regulatus, p. p. of regulare, fr. regula. See Regular.]

1.To adjust by rule, method, or established mode; to direct by rule or restriction; to subject to governing principles or laws. [1913 Webster]

The laws which regulate the successions of the seasons.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]
The herdsmen near the frontier adjudicated their own disputes, and regulated their own police.— Bancroft.[1913 Webster]

2.To put in good order; as, to regulate the disordered state of a nation or its finances. [1913 Webster]

3.To adjust, or maintain, with respect to a desired rate, degree, or condition; as, to regulate the temperature of a room, the pressure of steam, the speed of a machine, etc. [1913 Webster]

To regulate a watch or To regulate a clock, to adjust its rate of running so that it will keep approximately standard time. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To adjust; dispose; methodize; arrange; direct; order; rule; govern. [1913 Webster]

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