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Detain for Dummies

verb

pronunciation: dɪ'teɪn

What does Detain really mean?

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Sure thing! So, have you ever had to wait in line at the store or at the movies? Detain is kind of like that, but on a bigger scale. When someone is detained, it means they are being stopped or held back from doing something. For example, if the police detain someone, it means they are holding that person for questioning or until they can figure out what to do next.

There's another meaning for detain too. It can also mean to keep someone in a place and not allow them to leave. Like if a teacher detains a student after class, it means they are making the student stay in the classroom for some extra time.

So, to sum it up, when someone is detained, they are basically being held back or kept in one place for some reason. It's like pressing pause on something or someone. So the next time you hear someone use the word "detain," you'll know exactly what it means!

Revised and Fact checked by Elizabeth Martin on 2023-11-15 07:08:46

Detain In a sentece

Learn how to use Detain inside a sentece

  • The police had to detain the suspect because they had evidence of his involvement in the crime.
  • During the airport security check, they may detain individuals who are carrying prohibited items in their luggage.
  • The teacher had to detain a student who was misbehaving in class so that the other students could continue learning peacefully.
  • The immigration officer detained the traveler for further questioning about their visa status.
  • The doctor had to detain the patient in the hospital for observation after a serious accident.