detaining

Definitions

The act of keeping someone in official custody, typically for questioning or as a penalty.

The act of delaying or holding someone back from proceeding.

Examples

The security guards were detaining the suspect until the police arrived at the scene.

The government faced international criticism for detaining political activists without a formal trial.

Synonyms

holding confining restraining imprisoning delaying arresting incarcerating

Antonyms

releasing freeing liberating discharging letting go acquitting unshackling