◙ verb 1. [with obj.] keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in politically sensitive situations • （多指为对犯罪行为进行侦讯或在敏感的政治环境下）拘留，扣押 »she was detained without trial for two years. 她未经审判被扣押了两年。 keep (someone) from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention • 吸引（某人）注意力以羁绊（某人） »she made to open the door, but he detained her. 她想去开门，但他拖住了她。 keep (a sick or injured person) in hospital for treatment • 使（病人，伤员）留院治疗 officially seize and hold (goods) • （正式）扣押（货物） »customs officers may detain goods for up to two days. 海关官员最多可将货物扣押两天。
【派生】
♦ detainment noun
【语源】
1. late Middle English (in the sense 'be afflicted with sickness or infirmity'): from Old French detenir, from a variant of Latin detinere, from de- 'away, aside' + tenere 'to hold'