contain

verb

con·​tain kən-ˈtān 

contained; containing; contains

transitive verb

1

: to keep within limits: such as

a

: restrain, control

could hardly contain her enthusiasm

b

: check, halt

contain the spread of a deadly disease

Firefighters contained the wildfire.

c

: to follow successfully a policy of containment toward

efforts to contain Communism

d

: to prevent (an enemy or opponent) from advancing or from making a successful attack

2

a

: to have within : hold

The box contains old letters.

b

: comprise, include

The bill contains several new clauses.

3

a

: to be divisible by usually without a remainder

b

: enclose, bound

intransitive verb

: to restrain oneself

containable

kən-ˈtā-nə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• bear
• boast
• hold

Choose the Right Synonym for contain

contain, hold, accommodate mean to have or be capable of having within.

contain implies the actual presence of a specified substance or quantity within something.

the can contains a quart of oil

hold implies the capacity of containing or the usual or permanent function of containing or keeping.

the bookcase will hold all my textbooks

accommodate stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience.

the hall can accommodate 500 people

Examples of contain in a Sentence

The room was barely big enough to contain everyone who came to the meeting.

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.

State health officials have succeeded in containing the virus.

Recent Examples on the Web

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature about the Company. —Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. —Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2024

The movie contains many of Park’s trademarks—a reversal at the midpoint, washes of hyperreal green, a chamber of private violence, octopus stuff—and is the first to fully marry his intensity and his restraint. —Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024

This post contains spoilers from the season 11 premiere of When Calls the Heart. Elizabeth Thornton is having her Felicity moment! —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024

Declutter In a yard that already contains a lot of elements, decluttering should be your first mission. —Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include the intent, belief, or expectations of the Company and members of its management team concerning the Company's future business operations and the assumptions upon which such statements are based. —Sacramento Bee, 8 Apr. 2024

To find out if your child’s school contains asbestos and learn about their maintenance procedures, contact the school directly. —Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024

Jennifer Crumbley greeted her with a basket containing snacks and other items. —Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conteynen, borrowed from Anglo-French cunteign-, cunteyn-, present tense stem of contenir, cuntenir, going back (with conjugation change) to Latin continēre "to hold together, restrain, have as contents," from con- con- + tenēre "to hold, occupy, possess" — more at tenant entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

contain

verb

con·​tain kən-ˈtān 

1

: to keep within limits : restrain, check

tried to contain my laughter

the forest fire was finally contained

2

: to have within

3

: to consist of : include

4

: to be divisible by especially without a remainder

20 contains 5

containment

-ˈtān-mənt

noun