Detain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

Detain (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

1. to take or keep (someone) in confinement by authority of law

   "Police detained the suspect."

   similar: apprehend, arrest, bust (slang), collar, nab, nail, nick (British slang), pick up, pinch, pull in, restrain, run in, seize, commit, confine, hold, immure, imprison, incarcerate, intern, jail, jug, lock (up), constrain, limit, restrict, shut, bar, gate, bag, capture, catch, get, grab, grapple, hook, land, snap (up), snare, snatch, trap, bind, enchain, fetter, handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel, rearrest, remand
   opposite: emancipate, free, liberate, loose, loosen, release, spring, unbind, unchain, discharge

2. to keep (someone or something) from proceeding or progressing

   "She sent word that she had been unavoidably detained."

   "The plane was detained for hours due to inclement weather."

   similar: delay, hold up, keep, set back, retard, slow, baffle, balk, block, blockade, bottleneck, clog, dam, hinder, hold, hold back, impede, obstruct, snag, stem, hesitate, pause, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch (out), defer, hold off (on), hold over, lay over, put off, put over, remit, shelve, conclude, cut off, end, terminate, call, discontinue, suspend, choke off, rein (in), repress, squash, squelch, stanch, stunt, suppress, turn back, arrest, bring up, catch, check, draw up, fetch up, halt, pull up, stall, stay, still, stop
   opposite: carry on, continue, follow through (with), keep (on), keep up, persist, run on, advance, fare, go along, march, move, proceed, progress, wend, actuate, budge, drive, goad, impel, propel, push, spur, stir