contract

Definition

  • noun: a legal agreement between people, companies, etc.
  • noun: a binding agreement between two or more persons or parties
  • verb: to make (something) smaller or shorter
  • verb: to bring on oneself especially inadvertently
  • often used before another noun
  • synonyms: narrow, shorten, abridge

Examples

  • The company won a multi-million-dollar 'contract' to build a new courthouse. = The company was awarded a multi-million-dollar 'contract' to build a new courthouse.

  • The company 'contracted out' its manufacturing jobs. [=the company paid another company to do its manufacturing jobs instead of doing them itself]

  • If he breaks the 'contract' [=if he does not abide by the agreement], he will get sued.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) sounded fishy at the time. Have you got that document? The land wouldn't be in his name if I didn't. Yes, sir, signed and delivered. - I never signed any contract! - He certainly did. After a long study of this signature, it is my professional opinion - - that it is definitely in Jefferson Smith's own handwriting. As an expert on handwriting, I'd say the name Jefferson Smith - - on this contract... has been forged. I would stake my whole twenty year professional career - - on the fact that this is not a forgery, - (..)
    1939 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington