Neregulate

Neregulate is a rarely used verb that refers to the act or proposal of not imposing new regulations on a sector, activity, or issue, effectively maintaining a non-regulated or minimally regulated state. It is a nonstandard term and is not widely attested in formal legal or economic vocabulary. More common terms for similar ideas are deregulate (to reduce or remove regulations) and unregulated (not subject to regulation).

Etymology and usage notes: The word appears to be formed from the prefix negation (n-) combined with regulate. Because it is not part of standard dictionaries, its precise meaning can vary by author, and it is often ambiguous in practice. In policy discussions, some writers use neregulate to emphasize inaction or restraint—keeping the status quo rather than expanding regulation—whereas others may use it interchangeably with deregulate, which usually implies actively reducing regulatory constraints.

Context and interpretation: In debates, a proponent might advocate neregulation to describe a position of refraining from new rules or maintaining existing rules without tightening them. Opponents may interpret the term as vague or misleading, preferring clearer language such as keeping regulation in place, not expanding regulation, or pursuing deregulation if the goal is to reduce constraints. Because neregulate is uncommon, it can create confusion and is typically replaced by more precise phrases in formal writing.

See also: regulation, deregulation, nonregulation, unregulated markets.