Detain

Quick meaning: Detain is a verb meaning (transitive) To keep something from proceeding or coming to completion; to delay.

Meaning

(transitive) To keep something from proceeding or coming to completion; to delay.

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To keep someone from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
2. (transitive, archaic) To keep back or from; to withhold.
3. (transitive, law enforcement) To put someone under custody.
4. (transitive) To seize goods for official purposes.

Example Sentences

Detain not the wages of the hireling.

In April of 2009, however, the disease was found to suddenly no longer be appearing in newly-hatched chickens, and, upon review, it was discovered that Dr. Wildcat had modified 6002 without authorization, removing the disease from the genome. She's detained and questioned by Muller, and, even though she tries to lie that she didn't do anything, they have footage of her ascending the tree on her own.

Word Forms

• detains
• detaining
• detained

Synonyms for detain

Depending on context, synonyms include delay, hinder, impede, retard, stay, confine.

Antonyms for detain

Common opposites include free, rush, release, loose, hurry, liberate.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include delay, hold up, stay, confine, cease, stop.

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