contract

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A formal written agreement between people or companies that the law can enforce.

   The contract clearly states that you cannot work for a competitor.

2. 2
   verb

   To become smaller or tighter; to make something smaller.

   Metal contracts as it cools.

3. 3
   verb

   To catch or become ill with a disease.

   Many people contracted the plague in London in 1665.

From Middle English, from Middle French contracter, from Latin contractum, past participle of contrahere (“to bring together, to bring about, to conclude a bargain”), from con- (“with, together”) + trahere (“to draw, to pull”). The verb developed after the noun, and originally meant only "draw together"; the sense "make a contract with" developed later.

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