Contain

/kənˈteɪn/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to hold or include within a boundary or limit

The box can contain up to ten kilograms of weight.

to keep something from spreading; to control or restrain

The firefighters worked hard to contain the spread of the wildfire.

to have as a component; to comprise

The recipe contains flour, sugar, and eggs.

to have or hold something within

The cup can contain coffee and tea.

to include as a part of something

The brochure contains useful information about the city.

Middle English, from Latin 'containing' (to hold together)

to contain oneself

to restrain one's emotions or reactions.

contain one's excitement

to suppress outward signs of excitement.

contain a smile

to prevent oneself from smiling.

contained within

held within a certain limit or boundary.

container

a receptacle for holding something.

content

the substances or items contained within something.

to manage or handle a situation

He was able to contain the drama that unfolded at the party.

to hold back emotions in a tough situation

I had to contain when I heard the news about my friend.