Standard Lemma guide

detaining

noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • CMU ARPABET: D IH0 T EY1 N IH0 NG Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A delay, hindrance, or impediment; the act of holding back.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The heavy rain was a detaining on their progress.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: hindrance, impediment, retarding

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The act by which someone is detained; detention.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The suspect’s detaining lasted several hours.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

present participle and gerund of detain

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.