Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

de·tain

detain

 
 
pronunciation:
dih teIn
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: detains, detaining, detained
definition 1: to prevent from going on; stop or delay.
Heavy traffic detained me.
synonyms:
delay, keep
similar words:
buttonhole, collar, hang up, hinder, hold, impede, retain, retard, slow, stay, stop
definition 2: to hold in confinement.
The police detained her for twelve hours.
synonyms:
hold, imprison, keep
antonyms:
release
similar words:
arrest, confine, immure, incarcerate, lock up, restrain, retain
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: detainable (adj.), detainment (n.)
Word PartsSubscriber feature About this feature