contract
UK: /ˈkɒn.trækt/ | US: /ˈkɑːn.trækt/
n. a legally binding agreement between parties
v. to enter into a formal agreement
v. to decrease in size or shrink
v. to acquire (a disease or habit)
contract = con<together> + tract<pull>
- con<together>: From Latin con-, meaning "with" or "together."
- tract<pull>: From Latin tractus, meaning "to draw" or "pull."
Etymology Origin:
The word contract originates from Latin contractus, combining con- (together) and tractus (pull). The core idea is "to draw together," reflecting both legal agreements (binding parties together) and physical shrinking (pulling inward). Over time, it expanded to include acquiring obligations (e.g., debts or diseases) metaphorically "pulled" into one's life.
They signed a contract for the new project.
Metals contract when cooled.
She contracted a rare illness during her travels.
The company contracted a freelancer for the design work.
His muscles contracted sharply after the workout.