Contracter (en. Contract)

/kɔ̃tʁak.te/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
verb
To make something smaller or narrower.
Heat causes metals to contract.
La chaleur contracte les métaux.
To enter into a contract, to establish an agreement between parties.
The company decided to contract with a new supplier.
L'entreprise a décidé de contracter avec un nouveau fournisseur.
To acquire an illness.
He contracted the flu this winter.
Il a contracté la grippe cet hiver.

Etymology

From the Latin contractere, which means 'to draw together'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to take out a loan
To subscribe to a loan.
contracter un prêt
to incur expenses
To incur costs or fees.
contracter des dépenses
to enter into a commitment
To legally commit to doing something.
contracter une obligation

Related Words

contract
Formal agreement between two or more parties.
contrat
contractual
Related to a contract.
contractuel
contracting
Party that contracts.
contractant

Slang Meanings

To tighten or reduce.
The budget must be contracted for this year.
Il faut contracter le budget pour cette année.
To hire a subcontractor.
This company must contract for specific tasks.
Cette entreprise doit contracter pour des tâches spécifiques.