detained

/dɪˈteɪnd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Delayed or held back; kept from proceeding.

Adjective

Examples

The detained train finally arrived hours late.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Held in custody or confinement.

Adjective

Examples

He remained detained pending trial.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “detained” mean?

Delayed or held back; kept from proceeding.

Is “detained” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.