lose control

/luːz kənˈtroʊl/
phrasal verb★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
To become overwhelmed by emotions or external forces, leading to a loss of self-control or composure.
Literal Meaning
To fail to maintain the ability to manage or direct something, such as a vehicle or situation.
Literal Breakdown
loseTo fail to keep or maintain.+controlThe power to direct or influence something.
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of someone being unable to manage their actions or emotions, often depicted as chaotic or uncontrollable.
◈ When to Use
A person might say, 'I lost control when I heard the news,' to describe being overwhelmed by emotions.
◉ Cultural Note
The phrase is widely used in English to describe both physical and emotional states of losing control, reflecting the importance of self-control in various contexts.
informal

To become unable to manage or direct one's actions, emotions, or a situation effectively, often due to strong emotions or external forces.

After the bad news, she lost control and started crying uncontrollably.

When the car skidded on the icy road, the driver lost control and crashed into a tree.

💡

This phrase is often used to describe a sudden loss of emotional or physical restraint, leading to unpredictable behavior.

Collocations

lose control ofTo fail to manage or direct something, such as a vehicle or situation.lose control overTo lose the ability to influence or manage something, such as emotions or a situation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

out of controlphrase
In a state of being uncontrollable or chaotic.
take controlphrase
To gain or regain the ability to manage or direct something.

💡Pro Tip

Emotional Context

When used to describe emotions, 'lose control' often implies a sudden and overwhelming loss of composure, such as crying or anger.

⚡Gold Rule

Literal vs. Figurative Use

Be mindful of the context when using 'lose control.' In technical or mechanical contexts, it refers to physical control, while in emotional contexts, it describes a psychological state.

📖Word Origin

The phrase 'lose control' combines the verb 'lose' (to fail to keep possession of) and the noun 'control' (the power to direct or influence). Together, they describe a state of being unable to manage or direct something effectively.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In a literal sense, it can refer to losing control of a vehicle or machinery. Figuratively, it often describes emotional or psychological states where a person is overwhelmed by emotions or external circumstances.

Word Breakdown

lose
To fail to keep or maintain.
root
+
control
The power to direct or influence something.
root
English Dictionary