detain
verb (used with object)
to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
detaining
-
present participleof detain.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
But behind that agent was the other one who’d been detaining the pedestrian.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
The boom comes despite a rise in resource nationalism, with local officials seizing assets and detaining executives to secure a larger share of the profits.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026
Ashtiyeh and another AFP photographer, John Wessels, were near the northern village of Aqraba where they noticed an Israeli soldier detaining a man as local Palestinians picked olives.
From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026
Is DHS legally obligated to disclose where they are detaining someone?
From Slate ● Sep. 24, 2026
“We had better move on, Mr. Weston,” said she, “we are detaining the girls.”
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
