contract
The company signed a new contract with the supplier.
A formal agreement was established between the company and the supplier.
A written or spoken agreement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law.
The contract specifies the terms of employment for new hires.
The legal document outlines the conditions for new employees.
Contracts can be oral or written, but written contracts are easier to enforce.
To decrease in size, number, or duration.
Metals contract when cooled.
Metals become smaller in size as they lose heat.
Opposite of 'expand'. Often used in physics or economics.
To catch or develop a disease or infection.
He contracted COVID-19 during the outbreak.
He became infected with COVID-19.
Commonly used for illnesses or infections.
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Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish verb and noun meanings
The verb 'contract' (to shrink or catch a disease) is pronounced /kənˈtrækt/, while the noun (legal agreement) is /ˈkɒntrækt/. Stress shift changes the meaning.
Gold Rule
Always clarify context
If 'contract' refers to a legal document, use 'agreement' or 'treaty' as synonyms. For physics or medicine, avoid legal terms.
Word Origin
From Latin *contractus* (past participle of *contrahere* 'to draw together'), from *com-* 'together' + *trahere* 'to draw'. The legal sense dates to the 14th century.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'contract' is countable (e.g., 'two contracts'). As a verb, it is transitive (e.g., 'The company contracted a new supplier').