detain
verb (used with object)
to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
was detaining
-
past progressiveof detain.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Mr Garcia's lawyers argued that because El Salvador was detaining Mr Garcia "at the direct request and pursuant to financial compensation" from the US, the court could order the US government to request his return.
From BBC ● Apr. 8, 2025
Wilson has claimed he was unaware Sahouri was a reporter until he was detaining her and Robnett intervened, saying she worked for the Register and tried to pull her away.
From Fox News ● Mar. 8, 2021
Wilson has claimed he was unaware Sahouri was a reporter until he was detaining her.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 5, 2021
The sight of the tents going up in El Paso is a throwback to just a few months ago when the government was detaining child migrants in an encampment at nearby Tornillo.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 28, 2019
Mounted on a fast horse, with the Quaker's son for a guide, Jerome pressed forward while Uncle Joseph was detaining the slave-catchers at the barn-door, through which the fugitive had just escaped.
From Clotelle: a Tale of the Southern States by William Wells Brown
