detain

/di-ˈtān/

Middle English deteynen, from Anglo-French deteign-, stem of detenir, modification of Latin detinēre, from de- + tenēre to hold

verb

  1. to hold or keep in or as if in custody

  2. to keep back (something due) : withhold

  3. to restrain especially from proceeding

detained by the police for questioning

keep retain detain withhold reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control. retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.