n.

1. power to direct or determine
   
   • under control
2. 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
3. (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
4. a standard against which other conditions can be compared in a scientific experiment;
   control condition
   
   • the control condition was inappropriate for the conclusions he wished to draw
5. the activity of managing or exerting control over something
   
   • the control of the mob by the police was admirable
6. the state that exists when one person or group has power over another;
   dominance, ascendance, ascendence, ascendancy, ascendency
   
   • her apparent dominance of her husband was really her attempt to make him pay attention to her
7. discipline in personal and social activities;
   restraint
   
   • he was a model of polite restraint
   • she never lost control of herself
8. great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity;
   command, mastery
   
   • a good command of French
9. the economic policy of controlling or limiting or curbing prices or wages etc.
   
   • they wanted to repeal all the legislation that imposed economic controls
10. a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine;
    controller
    
    • the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly
    • I turned the controls over to her
11. a spiritual agency that is assumed to assist the medium during a seance

v.

1. exercise authoritative control or power over;
   command
   
   • control the budget
   • Command the military forces
2. lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
   hold in, hold, contain, check, curb, moderate
   
   • moderate your alcohol intake
   • hold your tongue
   • hold your temper
   • control your anger
3. handle and cause to function;
   operate
   
   • do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol
   • control the lever
4. control  (others or oneself) or influence skillfully, usually to one's advantage;
   manipulate, keep in line
   
   • 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. verify or regulate by conducting a parallel experiment or comparing with another standard, of scientific experiments;
   verify
   
   • Are you controlling for the temperature?
6. verify by using a duplicate register for comparison
   
   • control an account
7. be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something;
   see, check, insure, see to it, ensure, ascertain, assure
   
   • He verified that the valves were closed
   • See that the curtains are closed
   • control the quality of the product
8. have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of;
   master
   
   • Do you control these data?