1. (

• control ,
• command

) exercise authoritative control or power over; "control the budget"; "Command the military forces" ;

2. (

• control ,
• hold_in ,
• hold ,
• contain ,
• check ,
• curb ,
• moderate

) 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" ;

3. (

• operate ,
• control

) handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever" ;

4. (

• manipulate ,
• keep_in_line ,
• control ,

) maintain influence over (others or oneself) 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" ;

5. (

• control ,
• verify

) check or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard; "Are you controlling for the temperature?" ;

6. (

• restrict ,
• control ,

) place under restrictions; limit access to by law; "this substance is controlled"; "that area is restricted to security personnel only" ;

7. (

• control ,

) verify by using a duplicate register for comparison; "control an account" ;

8. (

• see ,
• check ,
• insure ,
• see_to_it ,
• ensure ,
• control ,
• ascertain ,
• assure

) 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" ;

9. (

• master ,
• control

) have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of; "Do you control these data?" ;