# regulate

Pronunciation: say "REG-yuh-layt" /ˈɹɛɡjəleɪt/

## Verb

1. To govern or direct something by means of rules, principles, or laws.
   - Simple: To control something by following rules or laws.
   - _Governments regulate how banks lend money so that customers are protected._
   - _The agency regulates food safety standards across the country._
2. To adjust a mechanism so that it works accurately and properly.
   - Simple: To adjust a machine so it works correctly.
   - _Skilled watchmakers regulate the movement so the timepiece keeps accurate time._
   - _He regulated the thermostat to maintain a steady temperature overnight._
3. To put something into order, or to keep it in order over time.
   - Simple: To put things in order and keep them that way.
   - _Breathing exercises can help you regulate your emotions during stressful moments._
   - _The body regulates its internal temperature automatically._
4. To dictate the official policy that governs how an activity is conducted.
   - Simple: To make the official rules that say how something must be done.
   - _Federal agencies regulate the pharmaceutical industry through strict policy._
   - _Lawmakers moved quickly to regulate the cryptocurrency market._

## Origin

Borrowed from Latin regulatus, the participle of regulō ("to direct, rule, regulate"), from regula ("rule"), which in turn comes from regō ("to keep straight, direct, govern, rule"). It displaced the native Old English metegian.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/regulate (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).