American Dictionary

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Definition contract in American English

contract verb

verb
/kənˈtrækt/
1

to agree to do something, or to make someone agree to do something, by a formal written agreement

Example

They had contracted to supply the machinery by June.

Example

The firm was contracted to build 25 low-cost homes.

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2

if a substance such as metal contracts, it becomes smaller

Example

Steel contracts as it cools.

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2.1

if a muscle contracts, it becomes tighter

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3

to become infected with a disease

Example

She contracted pneumonia and died.

Synonyms and related words
Definition contract in American English