Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object)
- to keep from proceeding; keep waiting; delay.
- to keep under restraint or in custody.
- Obsolete. to keep back or withhold, as from a person.
verb (tr)
- to delay; hold back; stop
- to confine or hold in custody; restrain
- archaic to retain or withhold
early 15c., deteynen, from Old French detenir “to hold off, keep back” (12c.), from Latin detinere “hold off, keep back,” from de- “from, away” (see de-) + tenere “to hold” (see tenet). Modern spelling is 17c., from influence of contain, retain, etc. Related: Detained; detaining.