to have or hold (something) within itself

The tin contained some stale biscuits

to comprise or include (something)

The letter contained some interesting news

to keep (something) within limits or hold it back or down

The flood waters could not be contained

to check or halt (something)

They tried to contain the spread of the infection

to restrain or control (oneself or one's excitement)

She could contain herself no longer

said of a number: to be divisible by (a factor), usu without a remainder