detained
v.v. to keep someone in a place and not let them leave, usually for a short time. This often happens when the police or officials need to ask questions or check documents.
v. to keep someone in official custody or to delay their progress. Transitive — requires a direct object; frequently used in the passive voice in legal or administrative contexts.
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
The traveler was detained at the border for three hours while officials checked his visa.
While the authorities may legally detain individuals for a limited period, prolonged confinement without a formal charge often leads to significant legal challenges from human rights advocates.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is very common in the passive voice ('was detained').
The police detained to himThe police detained himDetain is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without a preposition.