detain
to keep someone somewhere by law or by force so they cannot leave, usually by the police or other officials
To keep someone in official custody, especially by the police, immigration, or other authorities, so that they cannot leave freely.
to stop someone from leaving or doing something for a short time, usually in a polite or formal way
To cause someone to be delayed so that they cannot leave or continue with what they planned to do, often used politely or formally.
- Base: detain
- 3rd Person Singular: detains
- Present Participle: detaining
- Past: detained
be detained at the border
1stopped and held at a border
to be stopped and kept for some time by immigration or customs officers when you try to enter or leave a country
- Several travelers were detained at the border over visa issues.
- He was detained at the border while officers checked his documents.
- Refugees reported being detained at the border for days.
be detained by the police
1kept or held by the police
to be stopped and kept by police officers so you cannot leave freely
- He was detained by the police after failing a breath test.
- Several fans were detained by the police following the match.
- She was detained by the police but released later that evening.
be detained for questioning
1held so police can question you
to be kept by the police or other officials so that they can ask you many questions about something that happened
- Two witnesses were detained for questioning after the explosion.
- The driver was detained for questioning but later released.
- Several people are being detained for questioning in connection with the case.
be detained in custody
1be kept in legal custody
to be kept in a police station, prison, or similar place by law and not be free to leave
- The suspect is currently being detained in custody at the central police station.
- Three teenagers are detained in custody while officers continue their investigation.
- He was detained in custody overnight and appeared in court the next morning.
be detained without charge
1kept in custody with no charge
to be held by the police or other officials even though they have not yet said exactly what crime you are accused of
- Several activists were detained without charge after the protest.
- The organization condemned the decision to detain people without charge for more than 48 hours.
- Under the new law, suspects can be detained without charge for extended periods.
sorry to detain you
1polite apology for delaying someone
a polite way to say you are sorry for making someone stay longer or wait when they wanted to leave
- I’m sorry to detain you, but could I ask one more question?
- Sorry to detain you; I know you’re in a hurry.
- Sorry to detain you after the meeting, but there’s one more issue to discuss.