detain

/dɪˈteɪn/
verb
  1. To keep someone in a place, especially a police station or prison, and not allow them to leave, often for questioning or because they are suspected of a crime.
    • The police detained the man for questioning about the robbery.
    • Immigration officers detained the travelers at the airport.
    • He was detained overnight until the judge could see him.
  2. To delay someone or make them wait, especially when they want to leave.
    • Please don't detain the doctor; he has other patients to see.
    • The meeting detained her longer than she expected.
    • I'm sorry to detain you, but I need to ask a few questions.
Antonyms