DETAIN - Definition & Meaning for Kids
Meaning 1
Part of speech: Verb
deprive of freedom
Example: take into confinement
Meaning 2
Part of speech: Verb
cause to be slowed down or delayed
Example: Traffic was delayed by the bad weather; she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform
Meaning 3
Part of speech: Verb
stop or halt
Example: Please stay the bloodshed!
Synonyms
Delay, Hold up, Confine, Detain, Stay
Antonyms
🌱 Word Origin (Etymology)
The word "detain" comes from Old French detenir. Many other languages have similar words:
- Italian: detenere
- Portuguese: deter
- Romanian: deține
- Spanish: detener
🧩 Fun Fact
Medieval scholars created new Latin words for modern concepts, keeping the language alive for centuries.