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Detain Definition & Meaning

detain
verb
  1. deprive of freedom; take into confinement
  2. stop or halt; "Please stay the bloodshed!"
  3. cause to be slowed down or delayed; "Traffic was delayed by the bad weather"; "she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform"

"Detain" in song lyrics

See how detain is used in real songs:

  • "Cuz the complexities I freeze is too deep to detain,"
    Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek f/ De La Soul — Soul Rebels
  • "Chennai building collapse: 10 dead, 40 feared trapped, police detain 4"
    IBN Live — IBN Live

Words that rhyme with detain

Usage tips for "detain"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "detain" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for detain to find words that pair well.

Use "detain" in a verse

Now that you know what "detain" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

Frequently asked questions

What does detain mean?
deprive of freedom; take into confinement stop or halt; "Please stay the bloodshed!" cause to be slowed down or delayed; "Traffic was delayed by the bad weather"; "she delayed the work that she didn't want to perform"
What part of speech is detain?
Detain is a verb.
How many definitions does detain have?
Detain has 3 definitions across 1 part of speech (verb).

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