contain

S2 W1

BrE /kənˈteɪn/ AmE /kənˈteɪn/

verb en → es

past contained pp contained ing containing

1 HOLD/INCLUDE [transitive] A2

to have or include something inside or as part of it

contener, incluir

  • contain sb/sth

Collocations contain a lot of information · contain a virus

  • The box contains some old letters.

    La caja contiene algunas cartas viejas.

2 CONTROL [transitive] B1

to control or limit something, especially a feeling or emotion

controlar, contener

  • contain sb/sth

Collocations contain your anger · contain the situation

  • She tried to contain her laughter.

    Ella intentó contener su risa.

3 LIMIT [transitive] B2

to limit or restrict something, such as a budget or an area of responsibility

limitar, restringir

  • contain sb/sth

Collocations contain costs · contain the damage

  • The company needs to contain its spending.

    La empresa necesita limitar sus gastos.