contain
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
contains;
contained;
containing
contains;
contained;
containing
Britannica Dictionary definition of CONTAIN
[+ object]
1
:
to have (something) inside
-
The box contains [=holds] an assortment of old papers.
-
The room was barely big enough to contain everyone who came to the meeting.
2
:
to have or include (something)
-
The book contains over 200 recipes.
-
The article contains information on how to plan your retirement.
-
foods that contain a high level of fat
-
The movie contains something for both children and adults.
3
:
to keep (something) from spreading
:
to keep (something) within limits
-
Firefighters contained the wildfires.
-
State health officials have succeeded in containing the virus.
4
:
to keep (a feeling or yourself) under control
—
see also self-contained
-
The children could barely contain their excitement as the day of the festival drew near.
-
When she saw that they were all safe, she could not contain herself [=control her feelings] and broke into tears of relief.
-
Health officials believe the virus is containable and are doing what they can to keep it from spreading.
-
barely containable excitement
