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"
(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"
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"
the activity of managing or exerting control over something
"the control of the mob by the police was admirable"
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"
a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine
"the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly"
"I turned the controls over to her"
a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance
"During the séance, everyone felt an overwhelming sense of control over the room as the spirit supposedly guided the planchette."
the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.
"they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls"
Influence or authority over something.
"The new manager quickly gained control of the chaotic department and streamlined their workflow within weeks."
In plain English: Control is the power to make decisions and direct how things happen.
"She lost control of the car on the icy road."
Usage: As a noun, control refers to the power or authority to manage or direct a situation. Use it when describing who has the ability to make decisions or keep events within desired limits.
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"
To exercise influence over; to suggest or dictate the behavior of.
"The manager tried to control the team by insisting that everyone follow his strict schedule for breaks and meetings."
In plain English: To control something means to have power over it and make sure it does what you want.
"She learned to control her temper during arguments."
Usage: Use "control" when you mean to direct, manage, or restrict someone's actions or a situation. Avoid using it to describe physical possession or ownership unless you specifically intend to imply authority over how something is handled.
The word control comes from the Medieval Latin contrārotulum, which literally meant a "counter-roll" used to verify accounts. It entered English through Old French and gradually replaced native words like wealdan and wieldan that had similar meanings.