detain meaning and definition

DETAIN verb

Definition of detain (verb)

1. deprive of freedom; take into confinement
   • synonyms: confine
   • antonym: free
2. stop or halt
   • "Please stay the bloodshed!"
   • synonyms: delay, stay
3. cause to be slowed down or delayed
   • "Traffic was delayed by the bad weather"; "she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform"
   • synonyms: delay, hold up
   • antonym: hurry