detained

/dɪˈteɪnd/ (American pronunciation)

Origin

From Latin "detinere" (de- "away" + tenere "to hold")

Meanings

1. To keep someone from proceeding or leaving, especially by legal authority
2. To hold in custody or confinement
3. To delay or hinder

Example Sentences

1. The suspect was detained by police for questioning.
2. Students were detained after class for misbehaving.
3. Her flight was detained due to bad weather.

Related Words

• Verb forms: detain, detaining, detained
• Noun: detention
• Adjective: detainable
• Synonyms: hold, keep, restrain, delay, confine

Memorization Trick

Think of "de-TAINED" as "de-CHAINED" - when someone is detained, they are essentially chained or held in one place, unable to leave.