detain
verb/dɪˈteɪn/
Frequency rank: #10,477 most common English word
Meaning
to keep someone in official custody or prevent them from leaving.

Example sentence
The police had to detain the suspect for questioning.
Synonyms & related words
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 10,401–10,500
- craftyClever at achieving goals through indirect or deceptive methods; cunning.
- crusadera person who campaigns vigorously for a cause or reform.
- cutoffa point or level that marks a limit or boundary, especially one used to divide or exclude.
- debaclea sudden, complete disaster or humiliating failure.
- defiantBoldly resistant to authority or an opposing force; showing open disobedience.
- disarmto take a weapon away from someone; to make someone less hostile or suspicious.
- drawbacka disadvantage or problem that makes something less acceptable.
- ellipticalHaving the shape of an ellipse; oval-shaped, or (of speech) leaving out words and being hard to understand.
- eloquentFluent and persuasive in speaking or writing; clearly expressive.
- eminencethe state of being famous, respected, or important in a particular field