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detain
[ dih-teyn ]
/ dɪˈteɪn /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
to keep under restraint or in custody.
Obsolete. to keep back or withhold, as from a person.
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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”
OTHER WORDS FROM detain
Words nearby detain
detail, detail drawing, detailed, detailer, detailing, detain, detainee, detainer, detainment, detect, detection
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use detain in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for detain
detain
/ (dɪˈteɪn) /
verb (tr)
to delay; hold back; stop
to confine or hold in custody; restrain
archaic to retain or withhold
Derived forms of detain
detainable, adjectivedetainee (ˌdiːteɪˈniː), noundetainment, nounWord Origin for detain
C15: from Old French detenir, from Latin dētinēre to hold off, keep back, from de- + tenēre to hold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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