noun
regulation
An official rule or the process of controlling an activity.
A new safety regulation requires workers to wear protective gloves.
Etymology
The source belongs to the Latin family of rule. Regulation names the activity of directing conduct by rules and the individual rules produced for that purpose.
More examples
- Local regulations limit how late restaurants can stay open.
- The agency oversees the regulation of drinking water quality.
- Banks must comply with strict financial regulations.
Forms
regulation · regulations
regulate verb — To control an activity through rules.
regulatory adjective — Relating to official rules or their enforcement.
Similar words
- rule
- Broader; can govern informal groups as well as official activities.
- restriction
- Specifically limits what is allowed, rather than directing activity generally.
- oversight
- Emphasizes supervision and monitoring rather than setting binding rules.