Control Meaning

UK /kənˈtrəʊl/
US /kənˈtroʊl/
Word Definition
control meaning

Control Definition & Usage

verb

To exercise power or authority over something or someone.

Examples

  • "She tried to control the conversation, but he kept interrupting."
  • "The government controls the country's energy resources."
  • "He managed to control his anger during the meeting."
  • "The teacher controlled the class with a firm yet fair approach."
  • "She controlled the project from start to finish, ensuring everything ran smoothly."
noun

The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

Examples

  • "The CEO has control over all major decisions in the company."
  • "You need to gain control of the situation before it escalates."
  • "His strict control over his diet is the reason for his success."
  • "She lost control of the car when it skidded on the icy road."
  • "After the coup, the military gained control of the government."
noun

A device or system used to regulate or adjust the functioning of a machine or system.

Examples

  • "The airplane's autopilot system has a built-in control for altitude."
  • "You can adjust the temperature with the control on the air conditioner."
  • "The volume control on the speaker was not working properly."
  • "The factory uses automated controls to monitor production efficiency."
  • "The engineer inspected the control panel for any issues."
verb

To manage or regulate something, especially a market, budget, or financial operations.

Examples

  • "The company controls its expenses to stay profitable."
  • "Banks control the flow of money within the economy."
  • "The central bank controls inflation by adjusting interest rates."
  • "They implemented a policy to control the rising costs of raw materials."
  • "He had to control his spending after receiving a pay cut."

Cultural Context

The word 'control' has roots in Latin, derived from 'contrarotulare', meaning to steer or direct a ship. Over time, it evolved to encompass various forms of power, management, and regulation in different contexts. From the workplace to technology, control is an essential concept in modern society.

The Power to Control

Story

The Power to Control

In a small village by the sea, a young woman named Claire found herself at the helm of a community project to restore the local lighthouse. The lighthouse, once a beacon of hope, had fallen into disrepair and now stood as a symbol of lost direction. As the leader of the project, Claire was expected to control every aspect of the restoration. From managing the budget to organizing volunteers, she was responsible for ensuring that the lighthouse would once again shine brightly. However, as the project progressed, Claire found that control wasn’t as easy as she had imagined. The volunteers had different ideas about how the work should be done, and some even challenged her decisions. Claire realized that controlling the project didn’t just mean giving orders; it meant earning the trust of her team and guiding them towards a common goal. As the final day of restoration approached, a sudden storm hit the village. The waves crashed violently against the shore, and the restoration team had to make quick decisions to secure the building. Claire, despite the panic around her, managed to stay calm. She exercised control over her emotions and directed the team to safety, ensuring that the lighthouse would be protected. When the storm cleared, the lighthouse stood resilient, and Claire’s leadership was celebrated. The restoration was complete, but the most important lesson Claire learned was that control wasn’t about dominating others—it was about guiding them and maintaining balance in moments of uncertainty.

The Power to Control