How Do You Spell DETAIN?

Pronunciation: [dɪtˈe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "detain" is spelled phonetically as /dɪˈteɪn/. The first syllable "di" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by "tayn", pronounced with a long "a" sound. The word "detain" means to keep someone in custody or confinement, often by law enforcement or immigration officials. It is important to spell this word correctly in legal and immigration documents to ensure clear communication and proper treatment of individuals who are being detained.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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DETAIN Meaning and Definition

  1. Detain is a transitive verb defined as the act of holding someone or something in custody or confinement against their will, usually in a specified location, for a particular period of time. It involves the temporary restriction of freedom or movement, typically by an authority or institution, often for legal or security purposes.

    When an individual is detained, they are typically prevented from leaving a particular area or detained facility until further actions are taken or conditions met. Detainment can be carried out by law enforcement officers, border control agents, immigration officials, or military personnel, among others.

    The purpose of detainment may vary depending on the context. It can be used as a means of preserving public safety, enforcing laws, conducting investigations, or preventing escape. Detainees may be held for questioning, identification verification, investigation of alleged crimes, or as part of a lawful arrest process.

    The duration of detainment can vary, ranging from a few minutes to several hours, days, or even months, depending on the specific circumstances and the legal framework in place. During this period, individuals who are detained may be deprived of certain rights and freedoms usually enjoyed in their day-to-day lives, such as the ability to move freely, make decisions autonomously, or have contact with the outside world.

    It is essential to note that detainment should align with established legal procedures and regulations, ensuring due process and safeguarding human rights.

  2. To keep from; to withhold; to stop, stay, or delay; to hold in custody.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DETAIN

Etymology of DETAIN

The word detain originated from Latin, with its root being detinere, which is a combination of de- (meaning from or down) and tenere (meaning to hold). In Latin, detinere meant to hold back or to hinder. From Latin, the term passed into Old French as detenir, and later into Middle English as deteynen or deteyne. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved into the modern form detain, which has retained a similar meaning of holding back or keeping in custody.

Similar spelling words for DETAIN

Conjugate verb Detain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have detained
you would have detained
he/she/it would have detained
we would have detained
they would have detained
I would have detain
you would have detain
he/she/it would have detain
we would have detain
they would have detain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been detaining
you would have been detaining
he/she/it would have been detaining
we would have been detaining
they would have been detaining

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would detain
you would detain
he/she/it would detain
we would detain
they would detain

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be detaining
you would be detaining
he/she/it would be detaining
we would be detaining
they would be detaining

FUTURE

I will detain
you will detain
he/she/it will detain
we will detain
they will detain

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be detaining
you will be detaining
he/she/it will be detaining
we will be detaining
they will be detaining

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have detained
you will have detained
he/she/it will have detained
we will have detained
they will have detained

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been detaining
you will have been detaining
he/she/it will have been detaining
we will have been detaining
they will have been detaining

IMPERATIVE

you detain
we let´s detain

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to detain

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was detaining
you were detaining
he/she/it was detaining
we were detaining
they were detaining

PAST PARTICIPLE

detained

PAST PERFECT

I had detained
you had detained
he/she/it had detained
we had detained
they had detained

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been detaining
you had been detaining
he/she/it had been detaining
we had been detaining
they had been detaining

PRESENT

I detain
you detain
he/she/it detains
we detain
they detain

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am detaining
you are detaining
he/she/it is detaining
we are detaining
they are detaining

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

detaining

PRESENT PERFECT

I have detained
you have detained
he/she/it has detained
we have detained
they have detained

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been detaining
you have been detaining
he/she/it has been detaining
we have been detaining
they have been detaining

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it detain

SIMPLE PAST

I detained
you detained
he/she/it detained
we detained
they detained

Infographic

Correct spelling for detain
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