detain
verb (used with object)
to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
detains
-
present tense formof detain (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
Back at the van, PC Josh Dowdy detains a 12-year-old boy who is already banned from the city centre and on bail.
From BBC ● May 7, 2026
Speaking to shareholders during a private meeting last year, the CEO of Akima’s parent company, John Aġnaaqłuk Lincoln, said the company cares about the welfare of the people it detains nationwide.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 14, 2026
ICE detains hundreds at a plant in Georgia, Oracle surges toward the trillion dollar mark, and JP Morgan has a fancy new headquarters.
From Slate ● Sep. 13, 2025
Apparently, the administration is casting a very wide net as it detains and deports people.
From Salon ● May 25, 2025
How very kind Mr. Brooke is, and how fortunate that Mr. Laurence’s business detains him near you so long, since he is so useful to you and Father.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
