[+ obj] 1 : to have (something) inside
▪ The box contains [=holds] an assortment of old papers. ▪ The room was barely big enough to contain everyone who came to the meeting. 2 : to have or include (something)
▪ The book contains over 200 recipes. ▪ The article contains information on how to plan your retirement. ▪ foods that contain a high level of fat ▪ The movie contains something for both children and adults. 3 : to keep (something) from spreading : to keep (something) within limits
▪ Firefighters contained the wildfires. ▪ State health officials have succeeded in containing the virus. 4 : to keep (a feeling or yourself) under control
▪ The children could barely contain their excitement as the day of the festival drew near. ▪ When she saw that they were all safe, she could not contain herself [=control her feelings] and broke into tears of relief. — see also self-contained
▪ The box contains [=holds] an assortment of old papers. ▪ The room was barely big enough to contain everyone who came to the meeting.
▪ The book contains over 200 recipes. ▪ The article contains information on how to plan your retirement. ▪ foods that contain a high level of fat ▪ The movie contains something for both children and adults.
▪ Firefighters contained the wildfires. ▪ State health officials have succeeded in containing the virus.
▪ The children could barely contain their excitement as the day of the festival drew near. ▪ When she saw that they were all safe, she could not contain herself [=control her feelings] and broke into tears of relief. — see also self-contained







