Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition detain in British English

detain verb

[transitive] verb
/dɪˈteɪn/
1

to keep someone in a police station or prison and not allow them to leave

Example

A 29-year-old man was detained for questioning.

Synonyms and related words
apprehend apprehension arrest jail imprison detain
2

to keep someone in hospital because they are too ill to leave

Example

Nine people were treated in hospital and one was detained overnight.

Synonyms and related words
anaesthetise anaesthetize anesthetize
3

to delay someone who has to go somewhere

Example

Ms Dawson has been detained, so we will start the meeting without her.

Synonyms and related words
delay set back hold up
Definition detain in British English