NYT Dictionary
CONTROL
/kənˈtɹoʊl/VerbNouncon-TROLcon-trol · 2 syllablesGrade 5
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023
Meaning
To exercise influence over; to suggest or dictate the behavior of.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
From Middle English controllen, from Old French contrerole, from Medieval Latin contrārotulus (“a counter-roll or register used to verify accounts”), from Latin contrā (“against, opposite”) + Medieval Latin rotulus, Latin rotula (“roll, a little wheel”), diminutive of rota (“a wheel”). Partly displaced native Old English wealdan and Old English wieldan, whence their merged reflex English wield.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: