detain
[dih-teyn]
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.
Origin of detain
1480–90; detainen < Anglo-French, Old French detenir < Vulgar Latin *dētenīre, for Latin dētinēre, equivalent to dē- de- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre to hold
Synonyms for detain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for detainment
Contemporary Examples of detainment
While many are outraged at the detainment of Django Unchained actress Daniele Watts, not all are shocked.
Her detainment seems to have strengthened her determination.
See the latest updates, including the detainment of three U.S. students.
Egypt's Army Vows Speedy Power TransferNovember 21, 2011
Given the detainment of journalists in Libya, will that deter other journalists from heading into dangerous zones?
She disputed news reports suggesting that Assange was living in fear of arrest or detainment by U.S. authorities.
Historical Examples of detainment
By 13th October the detainment of this new Army was in full progress west and south-west of Brussels.
Ypres 1914Otto Schwink
He had been certain what the purpose of the detainment was, and who the inspector would be, yet he had not really been worried.
Star SurgeonAlan Nourse
detain
verb (tr)
Word 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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detain
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper