- a state in which someone no longer has the ability to manage or direct a situation or their emotions effectively; a loss of authority or command over circumstances.
During the chaotic meeting, the manager completely lost control of the discussion as everyone began speaking over each other.
Start tacking to remember the definition of "lost control" the next time you hear it or read it.
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The phrase ‘lost control‘ is not a single word but a commonly used expression. Its etymology can be understood through the combination of the words ‘lost‘ and ‘control,‘ which together convey the idea of a state in which someone no longer has authority or influence over a situation.
The term ‘lost control‘ first started appearing in English literature in the 20th century as an idiomatic expression, often associated with a breakdown of order or regulation. The informal connotation suggests a lack of restraint or inability to manage circumstances effectively, frequently in contexts of emotion, behavior, or situations.
Though the phrase itself does not have a specific origin apart from its individual components, it showcases a historical evolution of language where the merging of concepts leads to new meanings based on social and psychological contexts.
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