detain

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb

To keep something from proceeding or coming to completion; to delay.
To keep someone from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
To keep back or from; to withhold.
To put someone under custody.
To seize goods for official purposes.

/dɪˈteɪn/ En-us-detain.ogg

detain detains detaining detained

From Old French detenir. Doublet of détente. Cognate with Italian detenere, Portuguese deter, Romanian deține, and Spanish detener.

delay hinder impede retard hold back

detainable detainee detainer detainingly detainment detention redetain

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