detain
verb (used with object)
to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
have been detaining
-
present perfect progressiveof detain.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Turkish authorities have been detaining or issuing detention warrants for dozens of people allegedly involved in the construction of buildings that collapsed, and the justice minister has vowed to punish those responsible.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2023
Authorities in Bangladesh have been detaining and repatriating hundreds of fleeing Rohingya.
From BBC ● Nov. 24, 2016
I have been detaining you longer, perhaps, than I ought to do.
From The Writings of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 5: 1858-1862 by Lincoln, Abraham
“Mr. Smithson, I am sorry I have been detaining you so long, but I think these are the letters you wished to see.”
From My Lady Ludlow by Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn
