Detain Meaning
/dɪˈteɪn/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo keep something from proceeding or coming to completion; to delay.
verbTo keep someone from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
Sentence Examples
Don't let me detain you.
To my surprise, the young lady held up her gloved hand to detain me.
Are you coming willingly, or do we have to detain you?
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police may ____ suspects for further questioning without charges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Don't let me ____ you.
Word Origin & History
From Old French detenir. Doublet of détente. Cognate with Italian detenere, Portuguese deter, Romanian deține, and Spanish detener.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Detain not the wages of the hireling."
— 1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living. […], 2nd edition, London: […] Francis Ashe […], →OCLC:
"In April of 2009, however, the disease was found to suddenly no longer be appearing in newly-hatched chickens, and, upon review, it was discovered that Dr. Wildcat had modified 6002 without authorization, removing the disease from the genome. She's detained and questioned by Muller, and, even though she tries to lie that she didn't do anything, they have footage of her ascending the tree on her own."
— 2021 August 16, “Exploring the SCP Foundation: SCP-6002 - All Creatures Great and Small” (19:06 from the start), in The Exploring Series, archived from the original on 10 Jan 2023:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police may ____ suspects for further questioning without charges.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Don't let me ____ you.