control
kuhn-TROHL
Control (verb) means to direct or influence the behavior of someone or something. Example: “The pilot struggled to control the aircraft in the storm.”
verb
1
To direct or influence the behavior of someone or something.
"The pilot struggled to control the aircraft in the storm."
"She learned to control her temper over the years."
"Teachers need to control a noisy class without shouting at the children."
noun
1
Power or authority to direct or manage something.
"The new manager took control of the failing project."
"The council has lost control of the building project because nobody is in charge."
"Parents often have less control over teenagers than they would like."
2
A device such as a button, lever, or switch used to operate a machine.
"He fiddled with the controls until the volume was right."
"The pilot reached for the controls as the plane began to shake."
"Press the small control on the side to turn the lamp on."
3
A group or sample used as a baseline for comparison in an experiment.
"The control group received a placebo instead of the actual drug."
"Scientists compared the treated plants with a control that received only water."
"Without a control, we cannot tell whether the new fertiliser made any difference."
How to use control
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo have power over something, or the means (like a lever or button) used to direct it.
Common pairings
take control
lose control
control group
remote control
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Word forms
- Plural
- controls
- Third person singular
- controls
- Past tense
- controlled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pilot struggled to _____ the aircraft in the storm.
Etymology
From Old French contrerole, from Medieval Latin contrarotulus ("a counter-roll used to check accounts"), from Latin contra ("against") plus rotulus ("a roll").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “control” mean?
The word “control” means to direct or influence the behavior of someone or something. In plain terms, to have power over something, or the means (like a lever or button) used to direct it.
How do you pronounce “control”?
“Control” is pronounced kuhn-TROHL (/kənˈtɹoʊl/ in IPA).
How do you use “control” in a sentence?
Here is “control” used in a sentence: “The pilot struggled to control the aircraft in the storm.”
What is the opposite of “control”?
The opposite of “control” — its antonyms — are defy, rebel, resist, obey and submit.
What part of speech is “control”?
Depending on how it is used, “control” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “control” come from?
The word “control” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French contrerole, from Medieval Latin contrarotulus ("a counter-roll used to check accounts"), from Latin contra ("against") plus rotulus ("a roll").
Is “control” a common word?
“Control” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “control” have?
“Control” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to direct or influence the behavior of someone or something.
What is the difference between control and influence?
Control means directing something so it does what you want, with real authority over the outcome. Influence is softer — you affect behaviour or decisions without fully determining them. You can influence a friend's choice, but you control a machine. Control implies power and certainty; influence implies persuasion and only partial effect.
What is the difference between controlling and managing something?
To control something is to have direct power over how it behaves, often moment to moment. To manage is broader — to organise, oversee, and handle something responsibly over time. A manager coordinates people and resources; controlling them would mean dictating every move. Management allows autonomy, whereas tight control removes it.
Can control be a good thing?
Yes. Control is often positive — self-control, controlling a vehicle, or controlling costs all describe useful mastery. It turns negative when applied to people who should be free to choose, where it shades into domination. Whether control is good or bad depends entirely on what is being controlled and how willingly.
What are the main types of control?
Common forms include self-control (governing your own impulses), physical control (operating or steering something), and social control (directing others through rules or authority). Business adds quality control and cost control; technology adds remote control. Each shares the same core idea: directing behaviour, your own or something else's, toward a chosen outcome.
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