verb de·tain \di-ˈtān, dē-\



Full Definition of DETAIN

transitive verb
obsolete :  to keep back (as something due) :  withhold
de·tain·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of DETAIN

  1. They were detained by the police for questioning.
  2. He claimed he had been illegally detained.
  3. Unexpected business had detained her.

Origin of DETAIN

First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of DETAIN

keep, observe, celebrate, commemorate mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating <kept the Sabbath by refraining from work>. observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance <not all holidays are observed nationally>. celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity <traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner>. commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event <commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths>.

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control <keep this while I'm gone>. retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss <managed to retain their dignity even in poverty>. detain suggests a delay in letting go <detained them for questioning>. withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go <withheld information from the authorities>. reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use <reserve some of your energy for the last mile>.


DETAINMENT Defined for Kids


verb de·tain \di-ˈtān\

Definition of DETAIN for Kids

:  to hold or keep in or as if in prison <The suspect was detained by police.>
:  to stop from going on :  delay <Snow detained our flight.>


Next Word in the Dictionary: detaineePrevious Word in the Dictionary: detail manAll Words Near: detain
July 01, 2015
precarious Hear it
not certain, secure, or steady
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