detain
Translation
to detain, to hold, to delay
Examples
The police can detain suspects for questioning.
The police can detain suspects for questioning.
An urgent meeting detained him at the office.
An urgent meeting detained him at the office.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to hold someone in custody The police detained the suspect.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hold, arrest, delay; Antonyms: release, free
Etymology
From Latin 'detinere', from 'de-' (away) + 'tenere' (to hold). Literally 'to hold away' or 'to hold back'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a police officer saying 'I will DE-TAIN you from leaving!' while holding someone back.