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Showing results for detain. Search instead for detainm.
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.

It can only be effective "if there are also stronger efforts to identify, detain, investigate and prosecute, in accordance with international standards, those who fund, organise and support the gangs' activities", Turk added.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office wrote in the statement to ProPublica that deputies do not make any decisions on who to detain — they report suspects to ICE, and ICE makes the decision.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

She delayed a “60 Minutes” segment on the government’s use of an El Salvador prison to detain undocumented migrants for more reporting, only to have it air with minor changes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

On Wednesday, the court allowed prosecutors to detain him for five days to enable detectives to conduct further investigations.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

“When shall I see you?” asked Arobin, seeking to detain her, the maid having left the room.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin