ENGLISH
REFERENCE

contracted

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɑntɹæktəd// UK //kəntɹˈæktɪd// con·tract·ed

v. to catch a sickness or a disease. You can also use it to describe something getting smaller or tighter.

v. to become infected with a disease or illness; alternatively, to decrease in size, number, or range. Transitive when referring to illness; often intransitive when describing physical shrinkage.


SIMPLE

He contracted a mild flu during his winter vacation.

CONTEXTUAL

The local health department reported that several residents had contracted the virus after attending the crowded festival.

COMPLEX

As the global economy slowed, the manufacturing sector contracted for the third consecutive month, leading to widespread concerns about a potential recession.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

When used for illness, it is transitive and takes a direct object; when used for physical size, it is often intransitive.

Pitfall

He contracted from the fluHe contracted the fluWhen referring to catching a disease, the verb is transitive and does not take the preposition 'from'.

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