Search Dictionary
Definition of containment

containment

/kənˈteɪn.mənt/
con · tain · ment

Plural:containments
•
Adjective:containable
JUMP TO:

containment Lexical Profile

containment Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action or process of keeping something harmful, dangerous, or undesirable under control or within specified limits.

Example

"Firefighters worked through the night to achieve full containment of the forest fire before the winds shifted."


2

A geopolitical foreign policy strategy aimed at preventing the territorial or ideological expansion of a hostile power or rival nation.

Example

"During the Cold War, the policy of containment shaped decades of international diplomacy and foreign aid."


3

An airtight structure, barrier, or enclosure around a nuclear reactor or hazardous facility designed to prevent the escape of radiation or toxic substances into the environment.

Example

"Engineers inspected the reinforced concrete containment dome to ensure it met modern seismic safety standards."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for containment
Antonyms
View all antonyms for containment

• Rhymes for containment

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century from the verb 'contain' and the suffix '-ment'. Its geopolitical sense was popularized in 1947 by American diplomat George F. Kennan to describe the Cold War strategy of limiting Soviet expansion.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Containment. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/containment
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.