containment

word

/kənˈteɪnmənt/
/kəntˈeɪnmənt/

Definition

The act or process of keeping something harmful, dangerous, or undesirable under control or within limits. Also used in politics to describe preventing the spread of influence or power.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in formal or technical contexts: science (e.g., 'containment of a virus'), politics ('policy of containment' against another country), or emergencies ('containment measures'). Not used for everyday small things. Common collocations: 'containment strategy', 'containment breach'.

Example Sentences

The government focused on the containment of the virus.

basic

Firefighters work hard on containment of the wildfire.

basic

Containment of dangerous chemicals is very important in a laboratory.

basic

The city announced new containment measures to stop the disease from spreading.

natural

During the Cold War, 'containment' described the policy of limiting Soviet influence.

natural

A containment breach could put everyone in the area at risk.

natural