detain

[dih-teyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.

   Synonyms: check, stay, stop, hinder, slow, retard

2. to keep under restraint or in custody.

3. Obsolete.,  to keep back or withhold, as from a person.

detain

/ ˌdiːteɪˈniː, dɪˈteɪn /

verb

1. to delay; hold back; stop

2. to confine or hold in custody; restrain

3. archaic,  to retain or withhold

Other Word Forms

• detainment noun
• detainable adjective
• detainee noun
• predetain verb (used with object)
• undetainable adjective
• undetained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detain¹

First recorded in 1480–90; detainen, from Anglo-French, Old French detenir, from unattested Vulgar Latin dētenīre, for Latin dētinēre, equivalent to dē- de- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre “to hold”

Word History and Origins

Origin of detain¹

C15: from Old French detenir, from Latin dētinēre to hold off, keep back, from _de- + tenēre to hold

Example Sentences

Korean nationals were among those detained, the South Korean foreign ministry said, calling it an "unjust infringement" of their rights.

From BBC

They were each detained on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

From BBC

Miss Culley is detained while prosecution and defence lawyers discuss whether a deal can be made for her release.

From BBC

Border Patrol identified him as the suspect who had previously thrown the tear gas canister and attempted to detain him.

From Los Angeles Times

A man accused of killing his wife and dumping her body in the Angeles National Forest before fleeing with their children has been detained in Peru.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apprehend 
• confine 
• delay 
• jail