control

/kənˈtɹoʊl/
verbnoun

To exercise influence over; to suggest or dictate the behavior of.

NWL Collins ENABLE

Verb 3 meanings

  1. To exercise influence over; to suggest or dictate the behavior of.

    “With a simple remote, he could control the toy truck.”

  2. (construed with for) To design (an experiment) so that the effects of one or more variables are reduced or eliminated.

  3. To hold in check, to curb, to restrain.

Noun 4 meanings

  1. An influence or authority over something.

    “The government has complete control over the situation.”

  2. The method and means of governing the performance of any apparatus, machine or system, such as a lever, handle or button.

  3. Restraint or ability to contain one's movements or emotions, or self-control.

  4. A security mechanism, policy, or procedure that can counter system attack, reduce risks, and resolve vulnerabilities; a safeguard or countermeasure.

Definitions: Wiktionary (CC BY-SA) via Kaikki/Wiktextract

Where it comes from

Etymology

From Middle English controllen, from Old French contrerole, from Medieval Latin contrārotulus (“a counter-roll or register used to verify accounts”), from Latin contrā (“against, opposite”) + Medieval Latin rotulus, Latin rotula (“roll, a little wheel”), diminutive of rota (“a wheel”).

Similar and opposite words

Similar
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Opposite

CONTROL at a glance

CONTROL has 7 letters and scores 9 points in Scrabble (C 3 + O 1 + N 1 + T 1 + R 1 + O 1 + L 1) and 12 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #361 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.

Rhymes with control

All rhymes
  • PATROL8
  • CAROL7
  • CHOLESTEROL16
  • PETROL8
  • ENROL5
  • GLYCEROL14
  • RESVERATROL14
  • TOCOPHEROL17
  • STEROL6
  • ALBUTEROL11
  • CLENBUTEROL15
  • BIOCONTROL14

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