Contained
/kənˈteɪnd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo have or hold something inside; to enclose or restrict.
/kənˈteɪnd/
To hold or keep something within.
The book contained a fascinating story.
💡 Simply: Imagine a treasure chest. What does it *contain*? All the goodies, right? It means there's something inside.
👶 For kids: To have something inside of it, like a box has toys inside!
More Examples
The bottle contained a strange substance.
The report contained crucial information.
How It's Used
"The box contained a surprise gift."
"The experiment required a sealed container to contain the gas."
To keep something under control or within limits; to prevent from spreading or becoming worse.
/kənˈteɪnd/
To control or restrain something.
The police managed to contain the riot.
💡 Simply: Like when your parents try to contain the excitement before a birthday – they're trying to keep it under control.
👶 For kids: To stop something from getting bigger or spreading, like when you try to stop a spill!
More Examples
The firefighters worked hard to contain the blaze.
Measures were taken to contain the damage caused by the storm.
How It's Used
"The government took measures to contain the spread of the virus."
"Troops were deployed to contain the enemy."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
contain yourself
To control your emotions or behavior.
"After hearing the news, she struggled to contain herself."
From Middle English contaynen, from Old French contenir, from Latin continere ('to hold together, enclose, restrain'), from con- ('together') + tenere ('to hold').
The word 'contain' and its forms have been used consistently since the Middle Ages, reflecting its core meaning of holding or restricting.
Memory tip
Think of a container that holds things.
Word Origin
"to hold"