delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.
bad weather delayed our arrival
retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.
language barriers retarded their progress
slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention
medication slowed the patient's heart rate
, slacken an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.
on hot days runners slacken their pace
detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.
unexpected business had detained her
Example Sentences
They were detained by the police for questioning. He claimed he had been illegally detained. Unexpected business had detained her.
Recent Examples on the WebBlakely and several deputies testified that it’s common for law enforcement to handcuff and detain witnesses at crime scenes. Ashley Remkus | Aremkus@al.com, al, 26 Aug. 2022 The criminal complaint filed in the case described a fracas that lasted as long as seven minutes and required the help of a fourth individual – a citizen – to detain the man. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2022 Several times during the war, the Russians have agreed to allow humanitarian corridors to evacuate besieged cities, only to fire on those corridors and at times detain some of those fleeing.New York Times, 29 July 2022 After a third law enforcement officer arrives, all three try to detain the man in a room. Elisha Fieldstadt, NBC News, 21 July 2022 Lopez, 51, was trying to detain a man suspected of theft when he was shot, according to Sheriff David Rhodes. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 1 July 2022 Officers were able to locate and detain the man a short distance from the home.cleveland, 4 Mar. 2022 As police attempted to detain the man, a separate black SUV fled the scene and crashed at the intersection of La Palma Avenue and Brookhurst Street, killing its two passengers, whose names have not been released.Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2022 Three security guards tried to detain the man and that’s when the struggle unfolded, police said. David Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English deteynen, from Anglo-French deteign-, stem of detenir, modification of Latin detinēre, from de- + tenēre to hold — more at thin