mindmap root((收缩)) contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area, volume, or length: caused his muscles to ~. shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions: the sweater will ~ if washed improperly. condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content: ~ an essay into a single paragraph. compress implies an pressing into a small compass and definite shape, usually against resistance: ~ed the comforter to fit the box. constrict implies a narrowing by contracting or squeezing: the throat is ~ed by too tight a collar. deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of a contained substance and stresses the limp or empty state that results: ~ his tires to get better traction.