contain (A2)

verb

Pronunciation: /kənˈteɪn/

Definition

To have or hold something inside.

Examples

• This bottle can contain one liter of water.

• The gift box contained a beautiful necklace.

• Does this bag contain any sharp objects?

How to Use contain

contain something (collocation)

To have something inside. — "The box will contain your new shoes."

contain yourself (idiom)

To control your emotions. — "He found it difficult to contain himself when he heard the news."

contain the spread (collocation)

To stop something from spreading further. — "The government is trying to contain the spread of the virus."

Synonyms of contain

Words with a similar meaning to contain:

• hold
• include
• keep
• hold in

Antonyms of contain

Words with the opposite meaning to contain:

• release
• empty

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