Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Verb: contain  kun'teyn
  1. Include; have as a component
    "The record contains many old songs from the 1930's";
    - incorporate, comprise
     
  2. Have within
    "This can contains water";
    - hold, bear, carry
     
  3. Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
    "contain your anger";
    - control, hold in, hold, check, curb, moderate, mod [informal]
     
  4. (arithmetic) be divisible by
    "24 contains 6"
     
  5. Be capable of holding or containing
    "This box won't contain all the items";
    - take, hold
     
  6. Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of
    "Contain the rebel movement";
    - check, turn back, arrest, stop, hold back

Derived forms: contained, containing, contains

Type of: be, defend, hold back, include, keep, keep back, restrain

Encyclopedia: Contain