con·tain (k n-t n )tr.v. con·tained, con·tain·ing, con·tains 1. a. To have within; hold. b. To be capable of holding. 2. To have as component parts; include or comprise: The album contains many memorable songs. 3. a. To hold or keep within limits; restrain: I could hardly contain my curiosity. b. To halt the spread or development of; check: Science sought an effective method of containing the disease. 4. To check the expansion or influence of (a hostile power or ideology) by containment. 5. Mathematics To be exactly divisible by. [Middle English conteinen, from Old French contenir, from Latin contin  re : com-, com- + tenre, to hold; see ten- in Indo-European roots.]con·tain a·ble adj.Synonyms: contain, hold1, accommodate These verbs mean to have within or have a capacity. Contain means to have within or have as a part or constituent: The book contains some amusing passages. Hold stresses capacity for containing: The pitcher holds two pints but contains only one. Accommodate refers to capacity for holding comfortably: The restaurant accommodates 50 customers. |
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