detain

US /dɪˈteɪn/

UK /dɪˈteɪn/

keep (someone) in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in a political context

•

Police have the right to detain suspects for a limited period.

•

Immigration officers can detain individuals who enter the country illegally.

delay someone or prevent them from leaving

•

I was detained by a long phone call.

•

Please don't detain me, I'm in a hurry.