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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

A psychiatrist who decided he could not detain Valdo Calocane under the Mental Health Act after he assaulted a flatmate said the Nottingham attacks killer "wished to take control" during his assessment.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Speaking at the University of Kansas, the senior liberal justice was asked about a September 2025 decision that dealt with the rules for federal immigration agents to detain people and ask about their citizenship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

I bluffed, because if they were to detain me, Nazario was the only lawyer I knew and that might lead right to Bodega.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez




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