self-regulate

verb

self-reg·​u·​late ˌself-ˈre-gyə-ˌlāt 

 also  -ˈrā-

self-regulated; self-regulating; self-regulates

1

intransitive : to regulate oneself or itself

allowing markets to self-regulate

… noted the overwhelming lack of public trust in the financial services industry's ability to self-regulate effectively …

—Sally Rose

The idea is that the kids learn how to manage and self-regulate.

—Cheyenne Derksen Schroeder

2

transitive : to control or govern (something) for or by oneself

… was hired by the motion picture industry to head up a new body to self-regulate the movies.

—Katharine Monk

the ability of the child to self-regulate her behavior

… a horse who is permitted to self-regulate his intake will eat only what his body needs.

—Juliet M. Getty

self-regulative

ˌself-ˈre-gyə-ˌlā-tiv 

 also  -ˈrā-

adjective

self-regulative processes

Examples of self-regulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Children who don’t learn to self-regulate are more likely to struggle with anxiety, impulsivity, and even social difficulties, studies show. —Amy Morin, Contributor, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024

With the help of American biologist Lynn Margulis, however, Lovelock would develop and sustain the idea that organic and inorganic elements of the planet contributed to a global, self-regulating being. —Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Dec. 2024

Brain scans of people who spend time in nature show that their prefrontal cortex has more gray matter and a stronger ability to think clearly and self-regulate. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Your body can self-regulate its temperature better while naked, supporting the optimal sleeping temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.33 degrees Celsius). —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 2