'containment' originates from the verb 'contain,' which comes from the Latin word 'continere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

'continere' transformed into the Old French word 'contenir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contain' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to hold together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'keeping something under control.'