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Definition of contain

contain

/kənˈteɪn/
con · tain
Adjective:containable
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Past Simple:contained
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Past Participle:contained
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Present Participle:containing
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contain Lexical Profile

contain Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To have or hold someone or something within a space, volume, or boundary.

Example

"Each wooden crate is designed to contain up to fifty pounds of fresh produce."

2

To control, restrain, or prevent something harmful or undesirable from spreading or expanding.

Example

"Emergency crews worked throughout the night to contain the chemical spill before it reached the river."

3

To keep a strong emotion, impulse, or reaction under control and prevent it from showing.

Example

"She could barely contain her excitement when she opened the acceptance letter from the university."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for contain

• Nearby Words

contagious
contagiously
contagiousness
contain
containable
contained
container

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English conteinen, borrowed from Old French contenir, which derives from Latin continere ('to hold together, enclose'), formed from com- ('together') and tenere ('to hold').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Contain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/contain
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