contract

An agreement, usually written, that legally requires people or organizations to do what they promise.

• Please read the contract before signing.
• Her contract ends in June.
• They have signed contracts with three suppliers.

How to use it: contract with someone (We signed a contract with a local builder.); contract to do something (The firm won a contract to repair the bridge.)

Similar words: agreement

Common phrases: sign a contract, employment contract, contract with someone, binding contract

A period of work that you agree to do for a limited time.

• She is on a six-month contract.
• He worked two short contracts abroad.
• My current contract finishes next week.

Similar words: assignment, temporary job

Common phrases: six-month contract, short contract, work a contract

To become smaller, shorter, or tighter.

• Metal contracts as it cools.
• Your muscles contract when you lift something.
• The economy contracted last year.

Similar words: shrink

Opposites: expand

Common phrases: contract in cold, muscles contract, contract a muscle, contract into something

To catch a disease or infection.

• He contracted malaria while travelling.
• Several workers contracted the virus.
• You can contract this infection through dirty water.

Similar words: catch, acquire

Common phrases: contract a disease, contract an infection, contract malaria

To make a legal agreement with someone to do a job.

• We contracted a local cleaning company.
• The council contracted engineers to inspect the bridge.
• They have contracted with us to supply furniture.

How to use it: contract someone to do something (We contracted a firm to paint the offices.); contract with someone to do something (They contracted with a builder to repair the roof.)

Similar words: hire, engage

Common phrases: contract someone, contract with someone, contract to supply