Regulation refers to a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority to regulate conduct, activities, or processes within a specific domain or industry. It is a legal framework designed to ensure that individuals, businesses, or organizations act within prescribed guidelines to promote safety, fairness, efficiency, and compliance. Regulation can apply to various sectors such as healthcare, finance, environment, and labor laws, and it is enforced by regulatory bodies or government agencies. Regulations are created to address issues such as public safety, environmental protection, and fair market practices. Compliance with regulation is mandatory, and failure to adhere can lead to penalties, fines, or legal action. Regulations may be specific to a particular jurisdiction or global in scope, depending on the nature of the issue being regulated.
Example Sentences
- The company had to comply with new regulations regarding data privacy and consumer protection.
- The environmental regulations require factories to reduce their carbon emissions by 20% over the next five years.
- Regulation of the healthcare industry ensures that medical professionals follow ethical practices.
- The government imposed stricter regulations on financial institutions to prevent another economic crisis.
- The regulations surrounding workplace safety were updated to reflect new technological advancements.
- Compliance with food safety regulations is critical for preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
- The regulation of air traffic is crucial for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
- Local regulations prohibit the use of plastic bags in retail stores to reduce environmental waste.
- The city council enacted new regulations on noise pollution to maintain public peace.
- The company hired a consultant to help ensure that all regulations were met during the merger.
Synonyms
- Rule
- Directive
- Legislation
- Law
- Policy
- Guideline
- Ordinance
- Standard
- Control
- Mandate
Antonyms
- Freedom
- License
- Laxity
- Exemption
- Noncompliance
- Chaos
- Disregard
- Liberty
- Relaxation
- Unrestraint
Related Words
- Compliance
- Enforcement
- Legislation
- Oversight
- Authority
- Bureaucracy
- Lawmaker
- Policy
- Standards
- Governance
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Lay down the law: To establish rules or regulations in a strict or authoritative manner.
- Carry out: To implement or enforce regulations or laws.
- Keep in line: To ensure adherence to regulations or rules.
- Look into: To investigate or review regulations or compliance with them.
- Crack down: To take strict action to enforce regulations or laws.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Bend the rules: To make exceptions or not strictly follow regulations, often in a way that is ethically questionable.
- In accordance with the law: To act or proceed in alignment with regulations or legal standards.
- The letter of the law: To follow the exact wording or requirements of regulations, sometimes without regard for intent.
- Break the rules: To violate or fail to comply with regulations.
- Rule of thumb: A general principle or guideline, often followed instead of strict regulations.
Regulation refers to the official rules or directives that guide behavior and activities within a given area. Synonyms such as “rule,” “law,” and “policy” highlight the formal and structured nature of regulation. Antonyms like “freedom” and “license” represent the lack of restrictions, often leading to unregulated behavior. Related words such as “compliance,” “enforcement,” and “legislation” emphasize the importance of adhering to regulations and the authorities that implement them. Phrasal verbs like “lay down the law” and idioms such as “in accordance with the law” reflect how regulations are established and enforced. Regulations play a crucial role in ensuring order, fairness, and safety in various domains, from business and finance to healthcare and environmental practices.