# detain

/dɪˈteɪn/ (US) · /dɪtˈeɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/detain
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

to officially prevent someone from leaving a place, usually for legal reasons. It can also mean to delay someone so they are late for something.

For teachers: to keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning or as a legal precaution; alternatively, to delay or hold back a person from proceeding. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The police decided to detain the suspect for further questioning.
- Customs officers may detain passengers if their travel documents appear to be fraudulent or incomplete.
- The unexpected meeting at the office served to detain him just long enough to miss the final train of the evening.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In legal contexts, it is frequently used in the passive voice ('was detained').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.