1. Legal Agreement: This is the most common meaning. A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties, outlining the terms of an exchange, often involving goods, services, or money.
2. To shrink or become smaller: This meaning is often used to describe physical objects, such as clothing or muscles. For example, "The sweater contracted in the wash."
3. To make smaller or more compact: This meaning is often used to describe something that is being reduced in size or scope. For example, "The company contracted its operations."
4. To engage someone for a specific task: This meaning refers to hiring someone for a specific job, often for a set period of time. For example, "The company contracted a construction firm to build the new building."
5. To become infected with a disease: This meaning is less common and refers to becoming infected with a disease, usually a contagious one.
Did you mean "contract" or something else? If you can give me more context, I can help you understand the correct meaning.