Detained
/dɪˈteɪnd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning.
/dɪˈteɪnd/
To keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning or investigation.
The customs officers detained the traveler after discovering illegal items in their luggage.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at the airport, and they won't let you leave because they need to ask you some questions. That's being detained! It means someone, usually in authority, is holding you somewhere.
👶 For kids: It means someone is held by the police or someone in charge to ask questions.
More Examples
The protesters were detained by the police for disrupting public order.
Following the incident, the ship was detained in port for inspection.
How It's Used
"The police detained the suspect for further questioning."
"Several journalists were detained at the border."
To keep (something) within limits; to prevent something from reaching a certain point or state.
/dɪˈteɪnd/
The government's new regulations detained the rise in consumer prices.
💡 Simply: Think of a dam holding back a river – it's detaining the water! It means to prevent something from going further or changing.
👶 For kids: It means to hold something back or control it from going where it wants to.
More Examples
A strong fence detains the animals from wandering outside.
The bank detained the fraud.
How It's Used
"The dam was designed to detain excess water."
"The company detained the project's budget."
From Old French *detenir* meaning 'to hold back, restrain', from Latin *detinēre* meaning 'to hold down, keep back, detain', from *de-* (down, away) + *tenēre* (to hold).
The word 'detained' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to a physical holding back, later expanding to legal and formal usages.
Memory tip
Think of a 'train' that is stopped and 'detained' – kept from moving forward.