containment

noun

con·​tain·​ment kən-ˈtān-mənt 

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

Instead of relying solely on conventional reactor vessels and containment structures, the design uses the pressure generated by a mile-long water column surrounding the reactor to support reactor operating pressure while also providing cooling. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 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

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

Those gusty winds caused a small loss of containment overnight from Sunday to Monday – the fire dropped from 14% contained to 12% contained, according to the latest numbers released Monday morning. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

contain + -ment

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for containment

• arraignment
• attainment
• entrainment
• sustainment
• ascertainment
• entertainment