contain
verb (used with object)
to hold or include within its volume or area.
was containing
-
past progressiveof contain.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
No one was containing the crowds, she said, and there was no barrier.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2024
The key to the upset, though, was containing Alabama from three-point range, and the Crimson Tide finished just 7 for 28 from deep.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 28, 2021
A relatively low number of 108 deaths had been recorded on Monday, leading to hope that Mexico was containing the spread because the daily toll had been falling since last week.
From The Guardian ● May 13, 2020
I looked up to see him standing in the front of the room, eyes wide, mouth shut tight as if he was containing rage, or tears, or both.
From Salon ● Jan. 3, 2016
Jack moved back to the stern, where the box was, containing the red substance that furnished power to move the boat.
From Through Space to Mars Or the Longest Journey on Record by Roy Rockwood
