contract
The noun form carries a heavy weight of obligation and formality. It suggests a binding commitment where failure to comply leads to legal or professional penalties. In business, it is the gold standard of trust, replacing a handshake with a documented set of rules. As a verb, the word evokes a sense of shrinking or tightening. Whether it is a physical object getting smaller or a lung drawing in air, the movement is always inward and restrictive. When used with illness, it implies a sudden acquisition of a condition, as if the body has captured the pathogen.
Countable when referring to a specific legal document (a contract). Uncountable when referring to the general state of shrinking or the process of contraction.
Meanings
A written or spoken agreement that is intended to be enforceable by law.
"The company signed a five-year contract with the supplier."
To decrease in size, number, or range.
"The metal rod will contract as it cools down."
To catch or develop a disease or illness.
"He contracted a rare virus during his trip to the tropics."
To become smaller or shorter.
"The muscles contract during exercise."
Collocations & Compounds
binding contract
a legally enforceable agreement
The signed document is a binding contract.
breach of contract
failure to observe a legal agreement
The company was sued for breach of contract.
contract terms
the specific conditions of an agreement
Please read the contract terms carefully.
contract muscle
to tighten a muscle fiber
You must contract the muscle to lift the weight.
contract a disease
to become infected with an illness
Many people contract the flu during winter.