Containment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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containment

[kษ™nหˆteษชnmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

safety

The action of keeping something harmful under control or within limits.

Synonyms

control, restraint, suppression.

Examples of usage

  • Containment of a hazardous material spill is crucial to prevent environmental damage.
  • Containment of a contagious disease is essential to protect public health.
Context #2 | Noun

international relations

The action or policy of preventing the expansion of a hostile country or influence.

Synonyms

confinement, restraint, restriction.

Examples of usage

  • The containment of communism was a major focus of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War.
  • The policy of containment aimed to limit the spread of Soviet power.
Context #3 | Noun

psychology

The act of containing or holding back emotions or impulses.

Synonyms

control, restraint, suppression.

Examples of usage

  • Emotional containment is important for maintaining composure in stressful situations.
  • Effective containment of anger can prevent conflicts.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'containment' became popular during the Cold War, referring to preventing the spread of communism.
  • It originated from the Latin 'continentem,' meaning 'holding together' or 'to restrain.'
  • Containment strategies have roots in both military and geopolitical strategies from the mid-20th century.

Science

  • In environmental science, containment refers to methods used to prevent pollutants from spreading into the environment.
  • Biological containment uses specialized equipment to ensure hazardous materials remain secure, especially in labs.
  • Containment structures, like dams or tanks, are designed to control the flow of liquids, preventing spill-over.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, containment can refer to a personโ€™s ability to manage and hold their emotions in a controlled way.
  • Therapeutic containment involves helping individuals feel safe while expressing their thoughts and feelings.
  • Psychotherapists often use containment to create a safe environment that allows clients to explore deeper issues.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray containment through themes of isolation, such as in films where characters are trapped in a confined space and must find a way out.
  • Video games may feature containment mechanics where players have to manage resources or dangers in a controlled area.
  • The concept of containment is often explored in dystopian literature, where societies impose strict boundaries to maintain control.

Education

  • In educational settings, containment strategies can be used to keep classrooms organized and focused, reducing distractions.
  • Special education often employs containment principles to create individual support plans for students requiring additional assistance.
  • Digital containment refers to protective measures ensuring studentsโ€™ online activities are monitored and safe.

Origin of 'containment'

The word 'containment' originated in the 16th century, derived from the verb 'contain' with the suffix '-ment', which denotes an action or resulting state. Initially used in the context of physical containment, it later evolved to encompass broader concepts like international relations and psychology.


See also: contain, contained, container, containerize, containers.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,541, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.