detain

//dɪˈteɪn//
B2Frequency Level 10Formal
Visual representation of detain

Verb

detainInfinitive
detainPresent tense
detainedPast tense
detainedPast participle
detainingPresent participle
detainsThird-person singular
1

To keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning or legal reasons.

The police detained the suspect for questioning.

2

To delay or hold back someone from proceeding.

I'm sorry to detain you, but I have one more question.