detain (C1)
verb
Pronunciation: /dɪˈteɪn/
Definition
To officially prevent someone from leaving a place or doing something, especially by legal authority.
Examples
The guards were ordered to detain any unauthorized personnel.
She was detained at the airport due to a visa issue.
The investigation may detain him for several more days.
How to Use detain
- detain someone for [reason] (prepositional phrase)
- To officially prevent someone from leaving or doing something because of a specific reason. — "They were detained for questioning about the robbery."
- detain someone at [place] (prepositional phrase)
- To officially prevent someone from leaving a particular place. — "She was detained at the airport due to a visa issue."
- detain someone (collocation)
- To officially prevent someone from leaving or doing something. — "The police have the right to detain suspects."
Synonyms of detain
Words with a similar meaning to detain:
Antonyms of detain
Words with the opposite meaning to detain:
Browse the full Anaversity dictionary