godan verb (-su), transitive verb
control; command; get the better of
Literary or formal variant of 制する. Used for controlling a situation, commanding forces, or overcoming an opponent. Often appears in set phrases like 先手を制す (take the initiative).
See also: 制する
彼は冷静にその場を制した。
He calmly took control of the situation.
先手を制すことが勝負の鍵だ。
Taking the initiative is the key to victory.