detain
to hold back
Roots
- de-: down, away, reversal, reduction, or removal
- ten / tain: hold or keep
Other words with the ten / tain root
- abstain: to hold back from doing or taking something
- contain: to hold inside
- content: satisfied; also something held inside
- contented: satisfied or at peace
- discontent: dissatisfaction or unrest
- impertinent: rude or not properly relevant
- malcontent: dissatisfied person, often rebellious or resentful
Ten gives hold. To detain someone is to hold them back from leaving.
Security detained the visitor until the badge problem was fixed.
Detain is holding with authority or force. A person, shipment, or suspect is kept in place while the rest of the world moves on.