Need another word for Contain? Use these synonyms of Contain from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
hold
keep
retain
enclose
encase
envelop
surround
circumscribe
bound
limit
restrain
restrict
confine
impound
detain
capture
apprehend
seize
grasp
clutch
grip
comprehend
comprise
include
embody
embrace
harbor
shelter
accommodate
house
lodge
quarter
hold in
hold back
keep in
keep back
restrain from
prevent from
stop from
cease
desist
halt
stay
check
curb
control
regulate
moderate
temper
containable
confines
Meaning of Contain
The primary meaning of the word "contain" is to hold or keep something within a certain limits or boundaries.
Definitions
- To hold or keep something within a certain limits or boundaries, either physically or figuratively
- To have or include something as a part or component
- To restrain or control something, such as emotions or actions
- To prevent something from spreading or escaping
Etymology of Contain
The word "contain" originates from the Latin words "con" (meaning "together") and "tenere" (meaning "to hold"), and has been used in the English language since the 15th century
Historically, the word "contain" was used to describe physical containers or boundaries, but its meaning has expanded to include figurative and abstract concepts
Example Uses
- The container was designed to contain the hazardous materials
- The government struggled to contain the outbreak of the disease
- She tried to contain her emotions during the difficult conversation
- The new policy aims to contain the spread of misinformation