WordWeb Online

1. Able to control or determine policy
   "a controlling interest in the firm"

1. Exercise authoritative control or power over
   "control the budget";
   - command
    
2. Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
   "control your anger";
   - hold in, hold, contain, check, curb, moderate, mod [informal]
    
3. Handle and cause to function
   "control the lever";
   - operate
    
4. Maintain influence over (others or oneself) skilfully, usually to one's advantage
   "She is a very controlling mother and doesn't let her children grow up";
   - manipulate, keep in line
    
5. (science) check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard
   "Are you controlling for the temperature?";
   - verify
    
6. Place under restrictions; limit access to by law
   "this substance is controlled";
   - restrict
    
7. Be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something
   "control the quality of the product";
   - see, check, insure, see to it, ensure, ascertain, assure
    
8. Have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of
   "Do you control these data?";
   - master
    
9. Determine; be able to change
   "rooms are equipped with air conditioning system to control the temperature";
   - govern
    
10. [archaic] Verify by using a duplicate register for comparison
    "control an account"

See also: dominant

Type of: curb, curtail, cut back, essay, examine, hold back, interact, keep, keep back, know, manipulate, prove, restrain, restrict, test, trial, try, try out, verify

Antonym: derestrict

Encyclopedia: Controlling