contain
/kənˈteɪn/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To have or hold something within itself.
The sealed envelope did not contain the signed contract she expected.
To prevent something harmful or dangerous from spreading or worsening.
Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze before it reached the highway.
To control or suppress a strong emotion or reaction.
He could barely contain his anger during the tense press conference.
How it's used
This means “stop something from spreading”
- contain the damage
“contain it.”
They took drastic steps to contain the damage.
Collocations
- contain the spread
- contain the fire
- hardly contain
- barely contain
- contain costs