To keep someone from proceeding or to hold them back, often against their will. This can involve physical restraint or legal custody.
From Latin detinere, formed by combining the prefix de- (away, from) + tenere (to hold), literally meaning 'to hold away.' The word passed through Old French detenir into Middle English around the 14th century. The core meaning of physically or legally holding someone has remained consistent throughout its evolution.
Notice how 'detain' and 'retain' are mirror images from the same root! While 'detain' holds someone AWAY (often unwillingly), 'retain' holds something BACK for yourself (usually willingly). Both words show tenere's power to describe different types of holding relationships.
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