Definition of: regulate

(reg′yə·lāt) v.t. ·lat·ed, ·lat·ing
1. To direct, manage, or control according to certain rules, principles, etc.
2. To adjust according to a standard, degree, etc.: to regulate currency.
3. To adjust to accurate operation: to regulate a watch.
4. To put in order; set right. [<LL regulatus, pp. of regulare rule <L regula a rule <regere rule, lead straight]
—reg′u·la′tive adjective Synonyms: adjust, arrange, conduct, direct, dispose, govern, guide, manage, methodize, order, rule, systematize. See SET, SETTLE. Antonyms: confuse, derange, disorder, displace, distract, disturb, unsettle.