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.
A priority on defense was containing freshman guard Jazzy Davidson, who entered Saturday averaging a team-best 16.8 points per game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 3, 2026
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
We knew the biggest challenge in the quarter-final was containing Japan who look to keep the ball in hand.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 23, 2019
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
