detain
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.
See Examples For:
Mamdani admitted he was not sure if he has the power to order the New York Police Department to detain a foreign leader but is discussing the matter with the city's legal team.
From Barron's ● Jul. 18, 2026
Hannah Dugan was convicted of improperly directing a defendant in her courtroom away from ICE officers seeking to detain him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026
The purchase comes as the Department of Homeland Security has moved to scale up its capacity to detain immigrants without relying as heavily on private prison corporations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
GMP added: "Officers used handcuffs to detain him and quickly identified he was unresponsive, through the provision of first aid, and began with CPR."
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026
The dear girl was more affectionate with me than ever, and clung to me as though she would detain me; but there was much to be talked of and I came away.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
![]()
Speaking to shareholders during a private meeting last year, the CEO of Akima’s parent company, John Aġnaaqłuk Lincoln, said the company cares about the welfare of the people it detains nationwide.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 14, 2026
Marine, temporarily detains someone, the question is: Is that person free to go?
From Slate ● Sep. 3, 2025
Apparently, the administration is casting a very wide net as it detains and deports people.
From Salon ● May 25, 2025
Her final stunt on camera was released in July 2024 in the Midsomer Murders' episode The Debt Of Lies, where she played a retired police dog who detains the murderer before retiring.
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2025
How very kind Mr. Brooke is, and how fortunate that Mr. Laurence’s business detains him near you so long, since he is so useful to you and Father.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
![]()
According to the lawsuit, Walker began filming immigration agents in late March, after encountering a woman being detained in the San Francisco airport.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
The agency has nearly 66,000 people detained nationwide as of July 11, a jump from the last reported number in April, but still lower than a record high of 70,766 in late January.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Police said 118 of their personnel were also injured and 70 protesters have been detained.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Nearly 500 Panamanian vessels were detained for inspection in 2026, according to local media reports, but acting Foreign Minister Carlos Hoyos said Monday that those numbers have now returned "to the historical level."
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
They detained him while they debated what to do with him.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
![]()
Chinese authorities have charged a China-born American seismologist who researches underground nuclear tests with espionage after secretly detaining him in late 2024, according to the Massachusetts man’s supporters.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026
It’s not uncommon for ICE agents to use unmarked cars and wear masks as they attempt arrests, and advocacy groups say the tactic means people often aren’t aware that it’s federal agents detaining them.
From Salon ● Jul. 9, 2026
But Polanski has faced difficult questions in recent days after he publicly endorsed criticism of the Metropolitan Police's methods in the detaining of the suspect in the Golders Green attacks in north London last week.
From BBC ● May 5, 2026
Cambodian authorities raided another suspected scam compound in Poipet on Wednesday, detaining many foreigners, mostly Chinese nationals, police said.
From Barron's ● Apr. 30, 2026
“They’re detaining every man between sixteen and sixty. They’ve been told to assemble at the tower of the chateau. Then they will be marched to Fort National at low tide. God be with them.”
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing detain
Echo
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Enrique's Journey
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for January 30–February 5, 2021
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!