detain /dɪˈteɪn/ verb5 •To keep something from proceeding or coming to completion; to delay. •To put someone under custody. •To seize goods for official purposes. •To keep someone from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention. •(no longer used) To keep back or from; to withhold.Detain not the wages of the hireling: […] — 1651 formsdetained · detaining · detaineth · detains · detainest