noun
Uncommon
containment
kuhn-TAYN-muhnt
Containment (noun) means the act or state of keeping something within limits, or the thing that has been kept in check. Example: “Containment of the outbreak was the health department's top priority.”
noun
1
The act or state of keeping something within limits, or the thing that has been kept in check.
"Containment of the outbreak was the health department's top priority."
2
(history/politics) A foreign policy strategy aimed at stopping a rival power from expanding its influence, notably US policy toward the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
"Containment shaped much of American foreign policy after World War II."
3
A protective structure built to stop dangerous or radioactive material from escaping, as in a nuclear plant.
"The reactor's containment building withstood the earthquake."
How to use containment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKeeping something dangerous, harmful, or unwanted from spreading further.
Common pairings
containment strategy
containment breach
virus containment
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like containment.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- containments
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ of the outbreak was the health department's top priority.
Etymology
From contain + the noun-forming suffix -ment.
Rhymes for containment
See all rhymes for containment →Frequently asked questions
What does “containment” mean?
The word “containment” means the act or state of keeping something within limits, or the thing that has been kept in check. In plain terms, keeping something dangerous, harmful, or unwanted from spreading further.
How do you pronounce “containment”?
“Containment” is pronounced kuhn-TAYN-muhnt (/kənˈteɪnmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “containment” in a sentence?
Here is “containment” used in a sentence: “Containment of the outbreak was the health department's top priority.”
What part of speech is “containment”?
“Containment” is a noun.
Is “containment” a common word?
“Containment” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “containment” have?
“Containment” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or state of keeping something within limits, or the thing that has been kept in check.
