Contain
Verb
UK
/kənˈteɪn/
US
/kənˈteɪn/
Definition
To hold inside or keep something under control.
Example
"This box contains gifts."
"She tried hard to contain her excitement but her smile gave it away."
"Authorities worked quickly to contain the virus and stop it from spreading further."
Explanation
Contain means to hold something inside. For example, a bottle contains water, or a box contains toys. It also means to keep emotions or actions under control, like containing anger. In daily life, it is used when talking about objects holding items, like “this bag contains books.” In a broader sense, it can mean limiting or preventing something from spreading, such as “the firefighters contained the fire.” So “contain” can describe physical holding, emotional control, or controlling situations.