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detain

[dɪˈteɪn]

detain Definition

  • 1keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in politically sensitive situations
  • 2keep (someone) from proceeding; hold back

Using detain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "detain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The police detained the suspect for further questioning.

  • Example

    He was detained at the airport for several hours.

  • Example

    The bad weather detained us for another day.

  • Example

    She was detained by a phone call.

detain Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for detain

Idioms Using detain

  • prevent the enemy from moving or advancing

    Example

    The troops were ordered to detain the enemy at all costs.

  • slow down or hinder the progress of something

    Example

    The technical difficulties detained the progress of the project.

  • postpone or delay the announcement of a verdict in a trial

    Example

    The judge decided to detain the verdict until further evidence was presented.

Phrases with detain

  • keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in politically sensitive situations

    Example

    The suspect was detained in custody for 24 hours.

  • be held back or delayed by something

    Example

    I was detained by traffic and arrived late to the meeting.

  • detain someone's attention

    keep someone interested or focused on something

    Example

    The movie was so captivating that it detained my attention for the entire duration.

Origins of detain

from Old French 'detenir', from Latin 'detinere', from 'de-' (expressing reversal) + 'tenere' (to hold)

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Summary: detain in Brief

The verb 'detain' [dɪˈteɪn] means to keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in politically sensitive situations. It can also mean to hold someone back or delay their progress. Examples include 'The police detained the suspect for further questioning' and 'The bad weather detained us for another day.' Phrases like 'detain in custody' and idioms like 'detain the enemy' extend the meaning of the word.