contain

contain — verb

1. to have a particular thing, substance, or element as part of what is inside a sp

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to have a particular thing, substance, or element as part of what is inside a space, container, or larger whole — for example, a box containing old tools, a meal containing eggs, or a report containing warnings.

例句

The old suitcase contained nothing but a single photograph and a torn map.

Amelia packed a lunchbox that contained a sandwich, an apple, and a carton of juice.

contain + noun phrase listing contents

同義詞
  • hold

    more informal; focuses on physical capacity rather than inclusion as a component

  • include

    emphasises that something is part of a larger set, not necessarily physically inside

反義詞
  • exclude

    to leave out or not include something as part of a group or whole

文法句型

contain + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with containers (box, bag, bottle) or wholes (book, report, meal) as the subject. The object names the thing that is inside or included.

常見錯誤

❌The box is containing many toys.
✅The box contains many toys.
💡'contain' is a stative verb and is not normally used in the continuous form.

2. to keep a dangerous or unwanted thing — such as a disease, fire, conflict, or cr

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to keep a dangerous or unwanted thing — such as a disease, fire, conflict, or crisis — within a limited area so it cannot reach or affect more people or places.

例句

Firefighters worked through the night to contain the wildfire before it reached the village.

contain + wildfire / fire / blaze

Public health officials are trying to contain the outbreak by isolating infected travellers.

同義詞
  • control

    broader in meaning; can apply to both harmful and neutral situations

  • confine

    more formal; stresses keeping within physical bounds

反義詞
  • spread

    to move outward or affect more areas, the opposite of limiting

文法句型

contain + noun phrase (harmful thing)

用法筆記

The object is typically something harmful or unwanted: a disease, fire, riot, conflict, or crisis. Common in news reports and public health contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The police contained the celebration in the square.' (celebration is positive — unnatural).
✅The police contained the riot in the square.
💡use 'contain' only for negative or dangerous things.

3. to keep a strong feeling such as anger, excitement, laughter, or sadness from sh

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to keep a strong feeling such as anger, excitement, laughter, or sadness from showing in your face, voice, or behaviour.

例句

Adaeze tried to contain her laughter during the serious meeting but could not help smiling.

contain + laughter / amusement

Christopher could barely contain his excitement when he heard about his promotion.

can/could barely contain + emotion

同義詞
  • suppress

    stronger and more formal; suggests actively pushing down a feeling

  • hold back

    more informal; common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • express

    to show or communicate a feeling openly

文法句型

contain + emotion noun (anger, excitement, laughter)

cannot contain

barely contain

用法筆記

Commonly used with can/could in negative or near-negative constructions: 'could not contain', 'could barely contain', 'could hardly contain'. Typical objects are outburst emotions: laughter, anger, excitement, joy, tears.

常見錯誤

❌I contained my happiness when I got the gift.' (unnatural — 'contain' with positive emotion sounds strange unless context implies hiding it).
✅I could not contain my excitement when I opened the gift.
💡most natural with 'could not' or 'barely'.

4. in sports such as football, basketball, or hockey, to prevent an opposing player

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

in sports such as football, basketball, or hockey, to prevent an opposing player or team from playing effectively and from scoring many points.

例句

The team's strong defence contained the opposing striker throughout the entire match.

In last night's game, the point guard managed to contain the league's top scorer.

contain + a specific player (top scorer, striker, forward)

同義詞
  • hold off

    suggests keeping an opponent at a distance rather than actively shutting them down

  • neutralise

    stronger; suggests making the opponent completely ineffective

文法句型

contain + opponent / player / team

用法筆記

Used mainly in sports commentary and coaching. The subject is usually a player or a team's defence, and the object is the opposing player, position (striker, forward), or team.

5. to prevent an opposing ball carrier from running around the edge of the field, f

5.動詞及物C1
釋義

to prevent an opposing ball carrier from running around the edge of the field, forcing them toward the middle instead.

例句

The linebacker's main job was to contain the running back and push him back inside.

contain + ball carrier position (running back, quarterback)

Pim trained all week to learn how to contain the quarterback and limit his runs.

文法句型

contain + ball carrier / running back / quarterback

用法筆記

Highly specialised use in American football strategy. The subject is a defensive player or position, and the object is the offensive player carrying or about to receive the ball.