regulate

verb B2 Formal

Meaning

To regulate means to control or maintain the rate or speed of a process or activity according to a set of rules or standards.

💡 A common mistake is to confuse "regulate" with "legislate," as the former refers to controlling processes while the latter pertains to making laws.

Example Sentences

How does the government regulate the use of plastic bags ?

The government aims to regulate the financial markets effectively .

The government needs to regulate the use of plastic bags .

The government plans to regulate the use of plastic bags .

Word in Context

Last month the town decided to regulate street parking near the market so delivery vans could reach the shops more easily . They installed clear signs and a few pay machines so people would not leave cars all day in front of the stores . At first some shop owners complained , but most customers learned the new rules quickly . Now delivery trucks can come at busy times and the market feels less crowded . If the system works well for a year , the council will consider similar changes on other streets .

Common Phrases

regulate behavior regulate industry regulate access

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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