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Containment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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containment

con-tain-ment

🇺🇸 /kənˈteɪnmənt/ · 🇬🇧 /kəntˈeɪnmənt/

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “containment”

Containment is a 3-syllable noun (con-tain-ment). It is pronounced /kənˈteɪnmənt/ in American English and /kəntˈeɪnmənt/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 3 meanings, 9 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #10,541 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“containment” in 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.

“containment” in 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.

“containment” in psychology

  • In psychological terms, containment can refer to a person’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.

“containment” in 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.

“containment” in 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 students’ 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.

Rhymes

Containment rhymes with entertainment, attainment, arraignment and infotainment.

See all rhymes →

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.