detain

Pronunciation: /dɪˈteɪn/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb deprive of freedom; take into confinement
  2. verb stop or halt
  3. verb cause to be slowed down or delayed

Etymology

From Old French detenir. Doublet of détente. Cognate with Italian detenere, Portuguese deter, Romanian deține, and Spanish detener.

In classic literature

Synonyms

confine

Semantic network

Narrower (hyponyms)
straiten, imprison, keep in, trap, intern
Opposite (antonyms)
free

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