Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

detain

[dih-teyn] / dɪˈteɪn /


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.

Nottinghamshire Police, which claimed an officer had been trying to detain Moses over a public order offence, said it hoped the settlement "will offer comfort to the complainant".

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Immigration agents, I noted, were acting as though they had carte blanche to detain people suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, conducting raids that sometimes swept up American citizens.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The party had previously said it would build removal centres in remote areas of the country if elected, as part of plans to detain up to 24,000 people within 18 months.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

I bid him tarry a time & take his Supper but he would not, I could not detain him longer.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson




Vocabulary lists containing detain


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "detain" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com