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detain

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /dɪˈteɪn/

Forms: detained

detain means: If officials do this, they hold someone and do not allow them to leave.

verb

HOLD IN CUSTODYB2

If officials do this, they hold someone and do not allow them to leave.

  • Police detained two men.
  • She was detained at the border for three hours.
  • Can officers detain someone without giving a reason?

How to use it: detain someone for something (Police detained him for questioning.)

Similar words: hold, take into custody

Opposites: release

Common phrases: detain a suspect, detain someone overnight, detain someone legally

DELAY SOMEONEC1

To keep someone somewhere longer than they want, preventing them from leaving or continuing.

  • I won't detain you long.
  • A last-minute meeting detained her at the office.
  • Please don't detain him; he has a train to catch.

Similar words: delay, hold up

Common phrases: detain someone briefly, detain someone longer, detain someone here

HOLD GOODSC2

To take goods and hold them officially, usually while checking whether they can be allowed through.

  • Customs officers detained the goods.
  • The shipment was detained until its paperwork arrived.
  • Officials may detain cargo that contains banned products.

Similar words: hold, seize

Opposites: release

Common phrases: detain imported goods, detain a shipment, detain the cargo

Questions about detain

What does detain mean?

If officials do this, they hold someone and do not allow them to leave.

What is detain in other languages?

Türkçe: gözaltına almak · Español: detener · Français: placer en détention · Deutsch: festnehmen · Italiano: fermare · 日本語: 拘束する

How do you pronounce detain?

It is pronounced /dɪˈteɪn/.

How do you use detain in a sentence?

Police detained two men. She was detained at the border for three hours.

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detain in other languages

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