detain

• Verb, das bedeutet, jemanden unter offizieller Aufsicht festzuhalten, meist durch die Polizei oder in Haft, oder jemanden daran zu hindern, wegzugehen; auch im Sinne von aufhalten oder verzögern.

A verb used to indicate the act of keeping someone in official custody, typically in a police station or prison, or delaying someone.

1. Hold in custodyB2formal

   To officially keep someone in a place, especially a police station or prison, for a period of time.

   In Gewahrsam nehmen

   • The police detained the suspect for questioning.
   • He was detained at the airport for several hours.
   • The authorities detained the protesters without charge.

   Synonymeapprehendarrestconfineholdimprisoninternjaillock up

   Antonymefreeliberaterelease

2. Delay or keep waitingB2formal

   To prevent someone from leaving or to make them wait.

   Aufhalten

   • I was detained by a phone call and missed the bus.
   • The meeting detained us longer than expected.
   • Please don't detain the doctor; he has other patients.

   Synonymedelayholdimpedekeepretardslow

   Antonymedismissfreerelease