Contract

/ˈkɒntrækt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.

She signed a contract to start her new job next month.

An agreement between two or more parties that is legally binding.

The contract between the contractor and the city was finalized last week.

A formal legal document describing the terms of a contract.

Make sure to read the entire contract before agreeing to the terms.

verb

To enter into a formal agreement with someone.

They decided to contract for a new software system.

To reduce in size, number, or range.

The muscle will contract when it receives a signal from the nervous system.

To catch or develop (a disease).

He contracted a rare virus while traveling abroad.

From Latin 'contractus', from 'contractare', meaning 'to draw together'.

breach of contract

A violation of any of the agreed-upon terms and conditions of a binding contract.

contract killer

A person hired to carry out an assassination.

contract marriage

A marriage entered into for specific purposes rather than for love.

obligation

A duty or commitment to do something as part of a contract.

negotiation

The process of discussing terms with the aim of reaching an agreement.

enforcement

The act of ensuring compliance with the terms of a contract.

Paperwork

I have to finish this contract before we can get started.

Gig

I landed a new contract with a major client this month.