Detained: meaning, definitions and examples

⛓️
Add to dictionary

detained

 

[ dɪˈteɪnd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in custody

Detained means to be kept in official custody, usually by the police or other authorities. It implies that the person is not free to leave and is being held for questioning, investigation, or legal procedures.

Synonyms

apprehended, arrested, held

Examples of usage

  • They detained the suspect for questioning.
  • The protesters were detained by the authorities.
  • After being detained for several hours, he was released without charge.
Context #2 | Verb

delayed

Detained can also mean to be held back or delayed. It can refer to being kept for a longer period than expected or being stopped from progressing.

Synonyms

delayed, held up, postponed

Examples of usage

  • The flight was detained due to bad weather.
  • She was detained at work and couldn't attend the meeting on time.

Translations

Translations of the word "detained" in other languages:

🇵🇹 detido

🇮🇳 हिरासत में लिया गया

🇩🇪 in Gewahrsam genommen

🇮🇩 ditahan

🇺🇦 затриманий

🇵🇱 zatrzymany

🇯🇵 拘束された

🇫🇷 détenu

🇪🇸 detenido

🇹🇷 gözaltına alınmış

🇰🇷 구금된

🇸🇦 محتجز

🇨🇿 zadržený

🇸🇰 zadržaný

🇨🇳 被拘留

🇸🇮 pridržan

🇮🇸 handtekinn

🇰🇿 қамалған

🇬🇪 დაკავებული

🇦🇿 saxlanılan

🇲🇽 detenido

Word origin

The word 'detain' originated from the Old French word 'detenir', which means 'to hold back'. It has been used in English since the 15th century with the sense of 'keep back, retain'. Over time, it evolved to also mean 'keep in custody'.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,931 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.