Definitions

1. noun

A reduction in size, amount, or extent; a shrinking or becoming smaller.

“The company will face a significant contraction in sales due to the economic downturn.”

2. noun

A shortened form of a word or phrase, typically resulting from the omission of sounds or letters.

“The word ‘don’t’ is a contraction of ‘do not’.”

3. verb

To reduce in size, amount, or extent; to shrink or become smaller.

“The city’s population will contract by 10% due to the migration of young people.”