Why do you use detain?
Asked by: Nicole Feil | Last update: June 12, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)
detain suggests a delay in letting go. withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.
What is the purpose of detain?
The Purpose of a Detention
An officer might detain a person because they suspect that an individual was committing, has committed, or is about to commit a crime. The officer may stop the individual to ask about where they are coming from, where they are going, and what they're doing.
What is the use of detain?
to force someone officially to stay in a place: A suspect is being detained by the police for further questioning. To detain someone is also to delay that person for a short period of time: We were detained in traffic and arrived at the theater a little late.
Why do people ask if they are being detained?
The point of asking is not because you don't know you're being detained and need the information. It's to establish that the encounter wasn't consensual and prevent the police from claiming a consent exception to the Fourth or Fifth Amendment applies.
What is the meaning and sentence of detain?
a particular fact or item of information, often noticed only after giving something your close attention, or such facts or items considered as a group: [ C ] We have a report of a serious accident on Route 23, but so far no details.
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What is the other meaning of detain?
to take or keep (someone) in confinement by authority of law Police detained the suspect. arrested. apprehended. seized. imprisoned.
What does "detained" mean as it is used in this sentence?
to force someone officially to stay in a place: A suspect has been detained by the police for questioning. Several of the injured were detained overnight in the hospital. to delay someone for a short length of time: be unavoidably detained I'm sorry I'm late - I was unavoidably detained.
Can a cop detain you without telling you why?
Police may briefly detain a pedestrian if they have at least reasonable, articulable suspicion that the pedestrian is involved in current or imminent criminal activity. (Note that while they must have specific, articulable facts to support this suspicion, they do not have to share those facts with you).
What does detained implies?
detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.
How do you know if someone is being detained?
If you are looking for someone who might be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you can search the ICE Detainee Locator or by calling (866) 347-2423.
What happens when you get detained?
At the precinct, a police officer will interview you and ask for “pedigree” information, including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, etc. Once you have been fingerprinted you will be taken to Central Booking and processed for arraignment, which is an appearance before a judge.
What does detain me mean?
transitive verb. To detain someone means to delay them, for example, by talking to them. [formal]
What is a motion to detain?
A motion is a formal request to the judge. In this case, the Government is asking the court to make a finding that you must stay in jail until your trial. The motion will include the Government's reasons for their request.
Can you be handcuffed while being detained?
Yes. Anytime someone is detained, an officer can handcuff them for mutual protection if it is believed to be necessary.
What does detained do?
Detainment. Detainment refers to the act of a law enforcement officer temporarily keeping an individual in custody without an arrest, to conduct an investigation, make an inquiry, or prevent an imminent crime.
What if a person is unlawfully detained?
Victims of unlawful detention can seek various remedies, including filing complaints against the involved officers or law enforcement agency, motions to exclude evidence obtained during the detention, and federal or state lawsuits for injunctions or monetary damages.
What is an example of detained?
An officer's "brief and cursory" holding and questioning of someone is a detention. An example is a cop stopping someone who is behaving suspiciously in order to ask a few questions. The suspect isn't free to leave, but he also isn't under arrest, at least until the officer develops probable cause.
Why do people say am I being detained?
Being detained means that you're temporarily held by law enforcement – you aren't necessarily being arrested, but you're not free to leave. This typically happens when police officers have a reasonable suspicion that you may be involved in illegal activity.
What is the verb form of detain?
Verb. (transitive) If you detain someone, you prevent them from proceeding by holding them back. (transitive) If a person is detained, they are put under custody. (transitive) If goods are detained, they are seized for official purposes.
Can you refuse to be handcuffed?
You are being arrested. This can be accomplished with reasonable force. It is not your choice to refuse to be handcuffed like you are deciding between soup and salad at a restaurant.
Can a police officer tell you to get out of your car?
Can I refuse to get out of my car during a traffic stop? Legally, no. Officers have the right to order both drivers and passengers out of the car during a traffic stop. Refusing to comply can lead to additional charges or escalate the situation.
What is the legal definition of detain?
In criminal law , to detain an individual is to hold them in custody , normally for a temporary period of time . Police in the United States, under Supreme Court precedent in Terry v.
What is the full meaning of detained?
Definition of 'detain'
1. to delay; hold back; stop. 2. to confine or hold in custody; restrain.
What does it mean if someone was detained?
Being detained means a police officer temporarily suspends your freedom while they question you or search you or your vehicle. Police have a right to detain you if they have reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur.