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

Authorities in Sichuan didn’t reply to a request for comment, and it couldn’t be learned whether any of those detained had been formally charged.

From The Wall Street Journal

The interior ministry statement did not say where Chen Zhi had been detained.

From BBC

The authorities have insisted in recent months that the arrests were not linked to political affiliations and that all those detained were subject to standard investigative procedures.

From Barron's

The union representing media workers in Venezuela said all but one of those detained were employed by foreign news organisations and were released later on Monday, with one reporter deported.

From BBC

In February 2020, Khan was detained by ICE but released and required to check in with immigration officials.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apprehend
• confine
• delay
• jail