contain

To have something inside or as one of its parts.

• The box contains toys.
• This drink contains no sugar.
• Did the envelope contain a letter?

Similar words: hold, include

Opposites: exclude

Common phrases: contain sugar, contain information, contain something, contain books

To stop something from spreading, escaping, or being expressed.

• They contained the fire quickly.
• She could hardly contain her excitement.
• Can these barriers contain the floodwater?

Similar words: control, restrain, hold back, limit

Opposites: release

Common phrases: contain the fire, contain someone's excitement, contain the outbreak