Meaning
To detain is to hold someone in custody or confinement, typically by legal authority, often for questioning or to prevent them from leaving, with implications of a restriction on personal freedom that may not necessarily involve formal charges or a trial.
💡 The term "detain" is often used in legal contexts and should not be confused with "arrest," which implies formal charges; "detain" may refer to temporary or preventive measures without immediate legal proceedings.
Example Sentences
Word in Context
When
the
international
train
arrived
,
border
officers
approached
a
man
who
seemed
confused
by
his
travel
documents
.
After
a
brief
exchange
,
they
decided
to
detain
him
for
further
questioning
so
that
any
discrepancies
could
be
resolved
.
Although
the
delay
was
inconvenient
,
the
officers
explained
the
procedure
calmly
and
answered
his
questions
.
A
translator
was
called
,
and
within
an
hour
his
papers
were
clarified
and
he
was
free
to
continue
his
journey
.
He
handled
the
interruption
with
patience
,
later
reflecting
that
clear
communication
had
turned
a
potentially
upsetting
situation
into
a
manageable
one
.
Common Phrases
detain for questioning
unlawfully detain
detain under suspicion
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
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