de-, 向下，强调。-tain, 抓，握，词源同contain, tenure. 即扣下，扣押。

1. He caught her arm in a subconscious attempt to detain her.

他下意识地抓住她的胳膊想挽留她。

2. Thank you. We won't detain you any further.

非常感谢。我们就不再耽搁您的时间了。

3. It is against the law to detain you against your will for any length of time.

无论强制扣押多长时间都属违法。

4. He was instructed to inspect the cargo on the ship and detain such cargo if necessary.

他奉命去检查船上所载货物并于必要时扣留该项货物.

5. The act allows police to detain a suspect for up to 48 hours.

该法令允许警方将嫌疑犯扣押最多48小时。