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detained

v.
US //dɪˈteɪnd// UK //dɪtˈeɪnd// de·tained
  1. 1 held by authorities (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    to be kept in a police station, hospital, or airport by people in power.

    to be held in official custody or confinement, typically for questioning or legal reasons. Often used in the passive voice.

    Example

    The man was detained at the airport for three hours while they checked his visa.

    Example

    Several protesters were detained by the police following the demonstration, though most were released without charge the following morning.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the passive voice: 'to be detained'.
  2. 2 delayed (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to be stopped from leaving or arriving on time because of something unexpected.

    to be delayed or kept from proceeding with a planned journey or task. Usually implies an unavoidable or official delay.

    Example

    I am sorry I am late; I was detained by an urgent phone call at the office.

    Example

    The CEO was unexpectedly detained in a board meeting, forcing the department heads to begin the presentation without her.

    Usage

    Often used as a polite excuse in formal correspondence.

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