detain
verb (used with object)
to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
detained
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was detained for five hours and eventually let go.
From Slate ● Aug. 13, 2026
A 16-year-old was detained in a nearby neighborhood and arrested in connection with an unrelated investigation, authorities said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
Since then, the new government has detained numerous former officials and security personnel, though most senior figures from the old regime, including Assad himself, remain out of reach in Russia.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
As a prominent class enemy Emanuel was certainly in danger, as were his half-brothers Gösta and Emil, who worked for the business and were briefly detained by the Cheka.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
“No, he is unavoidably detained on business. After all, we are leaving the day after tomorrow.”
From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke
