detain

American  

[dih-teyn] / dɪˈteɪn /

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.

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detain British  

/ ˌdiːteɪˈniː, dɪˈteɪn /

verb

1. to delay; hold back; stop

2. to confine or hold in custody; restrain

3. archaic to retain or withhold

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of detain

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”

Example Sentences

It can only be effective "if there are also stronger efforts to identify, detain, investigate and prosecute, in accordance with international standards, those who fund, organise and support the gangs' activities", Turk added.

From Barron's

The AEA allows the government to detain and deport citizens of hostile foreign nations in times of war or during an "invasion or predatory incursion."

From Barron's

Afghanistan's Taliban government announced the release of a US national on Tuesday who had been detained for more than a year, after a letter from his family requesting his freedom.

From Barron's

The State Department declared in June that Coyle had been wrongfully detained.

From The Wall Street Journal

Daniel testified he was being detained in a bathroom with the shower running when one of the intruders burst in and said something in a foreign language.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apprehend
• confine
• delay
• jail