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Detain: meaning, definitions and examples

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detain

 

[ dɪˈteɪn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

law enforcement

To keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning or investigation.

Synonyms

apprehend, arrest, confine, hold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
detain

Used when someone is temporarily held back or delayed, often by law enforcement to ask questions or for minor offenses.

  • The police decided to detain the suspect for questioning
  • She was detained at the airport due to an issue with her passport
arrest

Used when law enforcement takes someone into custody because of suspected criminal activity. It often involves formal charges.

  • The police arrested the man for robbery
  • She was arrested on charges of fraud
apprehend

Used when law enforcement catches or captures someone who is a suspect or criminal.

  • The police managed to apprehend the thief after a brief chase
  • The fugitive was apprehended at the border
hold

Used in various situations where someone or something is kept in place, either physically or metaphorically.

  • The suspect was held in police custody overnight
  • He was held responsible for the accident
confine

Used when someone or something is restricted to a certain area, often for safety, health, or disciplinary reasons.

  • The patient was confined to his room to prevent the spread of infection
  • After the earthquake, people were confined to shelters

Examples of usage

  • They were detained by the police for further questioning.
  • The suspect was detained at the border for further investigation.
Context #2 | Verb

immigration

To prevent someone from leaving a place, especially a country.

Synonyms

confine, delay, hold back.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
detain

Used when someone is kept in official custody, usually by law enforcement or authorities, temporarily restricting their freedom.

  • The police detain suspects for questioning
  • The traveler was detained at the airport for further inspection
confine

Used when someone or something is restricted within specific limits or boundaries, often implying a more permanent or serious restriction.

  • The patient was confined to his bed due to his illness
  • The dog was confined to the backyard to prevent it from running away
hold back

Can imply emotionally or physically restricting someone or something, often informally. It suggests hesitation or prevention from doing something.

  • He struggled to hold back his tears during the emotional speech
  • The guard held back the crowd from entering the restricted area
delay

Used when an event or action is postponed or slowed down, often causing inconvenience but not necessarily implying any restriction of freedom.

  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather
  • She apologized for the delay in responding to the email

Examples of usage

  • She was detained at the airport due to visa issues.
  • The immigrant was detained by immigration authorities.

Translations

Translations of the word "detain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deter

🇮🇳 गिरफ्तार करना

🇩🇪 festnehmen

🇮🇩 menahan

🇺🇦 затримувати

🇵🇱 zatrzymać

🇯🇵 拘束する (こうそくする)

🇫🇷 détenir

🇪🇸 detener

🇹🇷 gözaltına almak

🇰🇷 구금하다

🇸🇦 احتجاز

🇨🇿 zadržet

🇸🇰 zadržať

🇨🇳 拘留 (jūliú)

🇸🇮 aretirati

🇮🇸 handtaka

🇰🇿 ұстау

🇬🇪 დაკავება

🇦🇿 saxlamaq

🇲🇽 detener

Etymology

The word 'detain' originates from the Old French word 'detenir', which means 'to hold, keep back'. It has been used in English since the 15th century. Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to refer to holding someone in official custody, particularly by law enforcement or immigration authorities.

See also: detained, detainee, detainees, detainment, detention.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,493, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.