control

control (http://definr.com/control)

     n 1: power to direct or determine: "under control"
     2: 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"
     3: (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"
     4: 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" [syn:
         control condition]
     5: the activity of managing or exerting control over something;
        "the control of the mob by the police was admirable"
     6: 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" [syn:
         dominance, ascendance, ascendence, ascendancy, ascendency]
     7: discipline in personal and social activities; "he was a
        model of polite restraint"; "she never lost control of
        herself" [syn: restraint] [ant: unrestraint]
     8: great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or
        activity; "a good command of French" [syn: command, mastery]
     9: the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing
        prices or wages etc.; "they wanted to repeal all the
        legislation that imposed economic controls"
     10: a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine; "the
         speed control on his turntable was not working properly";
         "I turned the controls over to her" [syn: controller]
     11: a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium
         during a seance
     v 1: exercise authoritative control or power over; "control the
          budget"; "Command the military forces" [syn: command]
     2: 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"
        [syn: hold in, hold, contain, check, curb, moderate]
     3: handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery
        after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever" [syn: operate]
     4: 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" [syn: manipulate, keep in line]
     5: verify or regulate by conducting a parallel experiment or
        comparing with another standard, of scientific
        experiments: "Are you controlling for the temperature?"
        [syn: verify]
     6: verify by using a duplicate register for comparison;
        "control an account"
     7: 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" [syn: 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?" [syn: master]