Translation guide
The concept of keeping something within limits or preventing it from spreading, often used in political, military, or abstract contexts. Japanese expressions vary depending on what is being contained.
Preventing the expansion of a hostile power or ideology, especially during the Cold War.
The standard term for political or military containment, especially in historical contexts like the containment policy against the Soviet Union.
the containment policy of the Cold War era
Deterrence; often used in security contexts to mean preventing an adversary's action through threat of retaliation. Overlaps with containment but emphasizes prevention through fear of consequences.
nuclear deterrence
Keeping a dangerous situation, disease, or problem from spreading or worsening.
Also used for containing outbreaks, fires, or other threats. Implies active measures to trap and stop something.
We succeeded in containing the spread of the infection.
Suppression or control; often used for keeping something in check, like emotions, prices, or disease spread. Less forceful than 封じ込め.
To stop something from spreading or getting worse; literally 'to stop in its tracks'. Common in news about disasters or crises.
Keeping one's feelings under control, not expressing them openly.
Keeping a substance or object inside a container or area.
Storage or containment in a designated space, often used for equipment, data, or hazardous materials.
containment vessel for radioactive materials
Confining or trapping something inside; can be used for physical containment of gases, liquids, or even people/animals.
to contain gas
封じ込め implies active, often forceful measures to trap and stop something from spreading, like a military enemy or a fire. 抑制 is more about keeping something under control or suppressing it, often used for abstract things like inflation or emotions.
Do not use 含有 (gan'yū, 'contain' as in ingredients) for containment. That means 'to contain as a component', not 'to keep within limits'.
インフレを抑制する政策
policies to contain inflation
to contain the damage from spreading
怒りを抑える
to contain one's anger