contract

/ˈkɑntrækt/
verb
  1. To become smaller or tighter, or to make something become smaller or tighter.
    • Metal contracts when it cools down.
    • As the muscle contracts, it pulls the bone.
    • The pupil of the eye contracts in bright light.
  2. To enter into a formal agreement or legal arrangement.
    • They contracted to build a new bridge over the river.
    • She contracted to deliver the goods by the end of the month.
    • The company contracted with a local firm to provide cleaning services.
  3. To catch or develop a disease or illness.
    • He contracted a cold after being out in the rain.
    • Many people contract the flu during the winter months.
    • She contracted malaria while traveling in the tropics.
  4. To become involved in or acquire something, such as a habit or debt.
    • He contracted a large debt to pay for his education.
    • The country contracted a huge foreign debt.
    • She contracted a bad habit of biting her nails.
Antonyms
noun
  1. A written or spoken agreement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law.
    • Before starting the project, both parties reviewed the contract carefully.
    • She signed a contract to rent the apartment for one year.
    • The company offered him a two-year employment contract with good benefits.
  2. A formal agreement for a specific service or work, often involving payment.
    • He took a contract to deliver newspapers every morning.
    • The band signed a recording contract with a major label.
    • The construction company won a contract to build the new school.
What does "contract" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean