Detain

Pronunciation: /dɪˈteɪn/

Definitions of detain

verb to keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning or investigation

Example Sentences

A1 The police detained the suspect for questioning.

A2 Customs officials can detain travelers who fail to declare goods.

B1 The security guards detained the shoplifter until the police arrived.

B2 The immigration officers detained the illegal immigrants at the border.

C1 The government has the authority to detain individuals suspected of terrorism without trial.

C2 The military detained the rebel leaders in an attempt to quell the uprising.

Examples of detain in a Sentence

formal The police have the authority to detain individuals suspected of committing a crime.

informal The security guard decided to detain the shoplifter until the authorities arrived.

slang The bouncer had to detain the unruly guest and escort them out of the club.

figurative Her fear seemed to detain her from taking any risks in life.

Grammatical Forms of detain

• past tense: detained
• plural: detainees
• comparative: more detained
• superlative: most detained
• present tense: detains
• future tense: will detain
• perfect tense: have detained
• continuous tense: is detaining
• singular: detainee
• positive degree: detain
• infinitive: to detain
• gerund: detaining
• participle: detained

Origin and Evolution of detain

First Known Use: 0015 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'detain' originated from the Old French word 'detenir' which means 'to hold back' or 'to keep in custody'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'detain' has retained its original meaning of holding back or keeping in custody, but it has also come to be used more broadly to refer to delaying or restraining someone or something.