verb
definition
To draw together or nearer; to shorten, narrow, or lessen.
example
The snail's body contracted into its shell.
definition
(grammar) To shorten by omitting a letter or letters or by reducing two or more vowels or syllables to one.
example
The word "cannot" is often contracted into "can't".
definition
To enter into a contract with.
definition
To enter into, with mutual obligations; to make a bargain or covenant for.
definition
To make an agreement or contract; to covenant; to agree; to bargain.
example
to contract for carrying the mail
definition
To bring on; to incur; to acquire.
example
She contracted the habit of smoking in her teens.
definition
To gain or acquire (an illness).
definition
To draw together so as to wrinkle; to knit.
definition
To betroth; to affiance.