contrôler

Senses

1. 1.

   to check / to verify

   to examine something to ensure it is correct or in order

2. 2.

   to control / to regulate

   to exercise authority or power over something; to manage or direct

3. 3.

   to monitor / to inspect

   to keep watch over or examine (e.g., for compliance, quality, safety)

Examples

• "Le douanier a contrôlé nos passeports à la frontière."

  The customs officer checked our passports at the border.

• "Il faut contrôler ses émotions pour rester calme."

  One must control one's emotions to stay calm.

• "La police contrôle la circulation dans le centre-ville."

  The police monitor traffic in the city center.

Usage

Contrôler is a common, neutral verb used in administrative, security, and technical contexts. It can mean "to check/verify" (most frequent) or "to control/regulate" depending on context. Note: in informal French, "contrôler" often means "to verify/check" rather than the broader English sense of "to have power over." Do not confuse with "maîtriser" (to master/handle) or "dominer" (to dominate).