noun
containment
kuhn-TAYN-muhnt
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
Word Forms
containments plural
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_____ of the outbreak was the health department's top priority.
Etymology
From contain + the noun-forming suffix -ment.