1
as in to arrest
to take or keep (someone) in confinement by authority of law
Police detained the suspect.
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2
as in to delay
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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detain
The driver, who was not named, was detained at the scene and taken into police custody to receive hospital treatment for his injuries.
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Her parents sued the University of California, Berkeley, where the therapist worked, for failing to detain the man or to warn them of danger.
—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
25 June 2026
The ruling was issued as part of a class-action lawsuit filed by noncitizens challenging ICE’s recent practice of making arrests at immigration courthouses and detaining people for extended periods in facilities designed for short-term holds.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Gonzalez Gurrola allegedly assaulted a CHP officer who attempted to detain him before he was taken into custody, according to a CHP South Sacramento news release.
—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for detain
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Her parents sued the University of California, Berkeley, where the therapist worked, for failing to detain the man or to warn them of danger.
—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
25 June 2026
The ruling was issued as part of a class-action lawsuit filed by noncitizens challenging ICE’s recent practice of making arrests at immigration courthouses and detaining people for extended periods in facilities designed for short-term holds.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2026
Gonzalez Gurrola allegedly assaulted a CHP officer who attempted to detain him before he was taken into custody, according to a CHP South Sacramento news release.
—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for detain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain
Verb
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The suspects arrested allegedly planned to target senior government officials with small, armed drones; no devices were launched.
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Police later caught up to Shockley at his father’s home in New Jersey, and he was arrested and convicted of murder.
Verb
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Still, some experts say the lack of awareness may delay some eligible adults from taking advantage of the new coverage and getting on the treatments immediately.
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The last time Colombia played at Miami Stadium, the 2024 Copa América final against Argentina was delayed more than 75 minutes after a security breach involving ticketless fans, with some appearing to enter through air vents.
Verb
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As law enforcement officials arrived and surrounded the library, Sayer attempted to run out the back of the building but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.
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Earlier this year, two Serve Robotics machines were spotted blundering into the middle of a police incident while cops apprehended a man who appeared to be having a mental health crisis.
Verb
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Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
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So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
Cite this Entry
“Detain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detain. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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