transitive verb. 1 : to hold or keep in or as if in custody detained by the police for questioning. 2 obsolete : to keep back (something due) : withhold. 3 : to restrain especially from proceeding was detained by a flat tire.

What is the legal definition of detainment?

In criminal law, to detain an individual is to hold them in custody, normally for a temporary period of time.

What is the meaning of detained person?

verb. When people such as the police detain someone, they keep them in a place under their control. [formal]