# detained

/dɪˈteɪnd/ (US) · /dɪtˈeɪnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/detained
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. held by authorities

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

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

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

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

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

## Examples

- 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.

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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.