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

The woman then became hostile and resisted officers’ attempts to detain her as they escorted her back through the security checkpoint.

From Los Angeles Times

The report urged the EU and UK to "detain Russian shadow fleet vessels that pose huge environmental and security threats to European and UK coastlines".

From Barron's

The government says 70 people were detained in seven states.

From The Wall Street Journal

In September, French authorities boarded the vessel, which claimed to be flagged in Benin, briefly detaining its captain and first mate.

From Barron's

The arrest came only days after former Prince Andrew was also detained by police on the same offense.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• apprehend
• confine
• delay
• jail