control
UK: kənˈtrəʊl | US: kənˈtroʊl
n. the power to influence or direct behavior or events
vt. to exercise restraint or direction over; regulate
vt. to test or verify (e.g., scientific experiments)
The word "control" originated from Medieval Latin contrarotulum, a ledger used to verify accounts by duplicate rolls. It evolved through Old French contrerole (to check by a duplicate register), reflecting the idea of "counter-rolling" to audit records. By the 15th century, it generalized to mean "restraint or command over actions," preserving the core logic of verification and opposition.
The government imposed strict controls on air pollution.
She struggled to control her temper during the debate.
The experiment included a control group for comparison.
Remote controls simplify operating electronic devices.
Pilots must control the aircraft’s altitude precisely.