containment

noun

con·​tain·​ment kən-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce containment (audio)
Synonyms of containment
1
: the act, process, or means of keeping something within limits
the containment of health costs
2
: the policy, process, or result of preventing the expansion of a hostile power or ideology

Examples of containment in a Sentence

The company's hazardous waste containment plan is being reviewed. The government needs to adopt a containment strategy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This brought it up to nearly 105 square miles by Friday with zero containment. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 The cause of the fire remains under investigation and there is no estimated time for containment. — Emily Carmela Nelson, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026 Healthy cells carry markers that identify them as part of the body, while foreign or damaged entities are treated as candidates for containment or destruction. — Abhik Biswas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Little growth was reported on the Willow fire on Tuesday, and crews increased containment from 5% to 10%, fire officials said. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for containment

Word History

Etymology

contain + -ment

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of containment was in 1655

Rhymes for containment

See All Rhymes for containment

Browse Nearby Words

container ship
containment
contakion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Containment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/containment. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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