Contracted
kənˈtræktɪd
Definitions
3 meaningsTo become smaller, narrower, or more compact; to reduce in size or volume; to shorten or decrease in extent.
kənˈtræktɪd
To decrease in size or volume; shrink.
The fabric contracted after being washed in hot water.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking bread and the dough shrinks in size because of the yeast. That's similar to something being contracted! It's like when a muscle squeezes, or a business starts to do less work.
👶 For kids: When something gets smaller or shorter.
More Examples
The disease caused the patient's muscles to contract.
The economy contracted due to decreased consumer spending.
How It's Used
"The muscles contracted after the injection."
"The economy contracted during the recession."
To enter into a formal agreement; to make a contract.
kənˈtræktɪd
To enter into a formal and usually written agreement.
The two businesses contracted for a merger.
💡 Simply: It's like making a deal! Imagine you and your friend contract (agree) to swap lunches tomorrow.
👶 For kids: To make an agreement, like when grown-ups sign papers.
More Examples
They contracted with a local artist to paint the mural.
The government contracted a construction company to build the highway.
How It's Used
"The company contracted with a new supplier."
"They contracted to build the new bridge."
To catch or develop (a disease); to become infected with.
kənˈtræktɪd
To catch or develop a disease or illness.
He contracted a severe case of pneumonia.
💡 Simply: If you 'contract' a cold, it means you got it! You caught it and now you have the symptoms.
👶 For kids: When you get a sick feeling or catch a cold.
More Examples
Many people contracted the virus during the outbreak.
She contracted an infection after the surgery.
How It's Used
"He contracted the flu during the winter."
"She contracted a rare disease."
Idioms & expressions
contract out
To hire someone outside the company to do a specific job.
"The company decided to contract out their cleaning services."
From Latin *contractus*, past participle of *contrahere* 'to draw together, to agree', from *con-* 'together' + *trahere* 'to draw'.
Used in legal and medical contexts since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a rubber band being contracted – it gets shorter.