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

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

Prosecutors also said he left the scene, changed his shirt and shoes, and returned two hours later, at which point agents recognized him and moved to detain him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

I took off before she could detain me any longer.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson

Vocabulary lists containing detain

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