Definitions

detain

[dih-teyn] / dɪˈteɪn /

VERB

hold, keep back; arrest

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apprehend confine delay jail

STRONG

bust buttonhole check constrain decelerate hinder ice impede inhibit intern mire nab pinch reserve restrain retard withhold

WEAK

bog down hang up hold up pick up pull in put away run-in send up set back slow down slow up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

free liberate

STRONG

advance aid allow assist facilitate forward give help let go offer permit push release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“They lack the authority to detain or arrest suspects, intervene in crimes in progress, conduct searches, or carry firearms for enforcement purposes,” according to a May 21 report from the city agency.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Under the new deal, France has agreed to target and detain migrants seeking to board small boats on its beaches.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

"The court should detain the defendant pending trial," the filing said.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

"But still the Party is now so sensitive toward history that it felt it had to detain and try him."

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

After investigating his record, the Justice Department found no reason to detain him any longer.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston

Vocabulary lists containing detain

Echo

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Enrique's Journey

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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for January 30–February 5, 2021

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