containment

noun

con·​tain·​ment kən-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce containment (audio)
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.
There is no update on the containment progress of the fire and its cause has not yet been determined. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2025 But real reform requires a new business model that aligns incentives with patient health, not just cost containment. Rita Numerof, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 Money was needed for vaccination, testing, and other containment efforts. Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025 As of now, containment and acreage on both fires remain the same. Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Containment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/containment. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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