Detain
/dɪˈteɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning or pending a legal process.
/dɪˈteɪn/
To keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning.
The authorities detained the protestors for questioning.
💡 Simply: Imagine the police ask you questions about something that happened, and they don’t let you go home right away. They keep you to talk more. That's being detained.
👶 For kids: To hold someone and not let them go, like the police might do.
More Examples
She was detained at the airport due to a visa issue.
The police had the right to detain him because he refused to identify himself.
How It's Used
"The police detained the suspect for further investigation."
"Reporters were detained while covering the protest."
To delay; to keep (someone or something) from proceeding; to restrain.
/dɪˈteɪn/
To delay; to keep someone from proceeding; to restrain.
Heavy traffic detained the bus.
💡 Simply: Imagine you were supposed to go to a party but had to stay at the library for a while. Something made you late, or delayed you. This is being detained.
👶 For kids: To make someone or something wait.
More Examples
The unexpected storm detained our departure.
The complications during the operation detained the doctors.
How It's Used
"A long meeting detained her from returning home."
"Bad weather detained the flight for hours."
Idioms & expressions
detained at the border
Being held at the border of a country, usually for questioning or processing of travel documents.
"The traveler was detained at the border due to a problem with their passport."
held in detention
Being kept in a place where freedom is restricted, often by legal or official authority.
"The suspect was held in detention while awaiting trial."
From Old French *detenir* (to hold back, keep, delay), from Latin *detinere* (to hold back, restrain), from *de-* (down, away) + *tenere* (to hold).
The word 'detain' has been used in legal and administrative contexts since the 14th century, referring to the act of holding someone or something back.
Memory tip
Think of a jail 'chain' – you are chained to the jail, or 'detained'.
Word Origin
"to hold back, restrain"