contract

con-tract · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A written or spoken agreement that is legally binding.

  2. 2.

    To enter into a formal agreement.

  3. 3.

    An arrangement for someone to be killed by a hired assassin.

  4. 4.

    To decrease in size or shrink.

  5. 5.

    To catch or become infected with a disease.

  6. 6.

    To shorten a word or phrase.

Forms

plural: contracts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    breach of contract — failure to fulfill contractual obligations
  • •
    contract out — to arrange for work to be done by another company
  • •
    under contract — bound by a legal agreement

Related words

Antonyms: expand (verb sense)
See also: agreement, expand, treaty
Synonyms: agreement, covenant, deal, pact

Etymology

From Latin "contractus," past participle of "contrahere" meaning to draw together, from "con-" (together) + "trahere" (to draw).