contain

Universal Words verb [VN] (not used in the progressive tenses) 1 if sth contains sth else, it has that thing inside it or as part of it: This drink doesn't contain any alcohol. * Her statement contained one or two inaccuracies. * a brown envelope containing a hundred dollar bills * The bottle contains (= can hold) two litres. 2 (written) to keep your feelings under control: She was unable to contain her excitement. * I was so furious I just couldn't contain myself (= I had to express my feelings). 3 (written) to prevent sth harmful from spreading or getting worse: to contain an epidemic * Government forces have failed to contain the rebellion.