Detenían (en. They stopped)

/deteˈnjan/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To stop something or someone, restricting their movement.
The police were detaining the suspects during the investigation.
Los policías detenían a los sospechosos durante la investigación.
To interrupt the course of something.
The authorities were stopping traffic to carry out repairs on the road.
Las autoridades detenían el tráfico para realizar reparaciones en la carretera.
To keep something in a state of suspension.
They were stopping the conversation to avoid misunderstandings.
Ellos detenían la conversación para evitar malentendidos.

Etymology

From the Latin 'detenere'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

the detainees
the people who have been detained by the authorities.
los detenidos
stop time
the feeling that time stops at a specific moment.
detener el tiempo
her detention was unjust
reference to a capture that is not considered appropriate.
su detención fue injusta

Related Words

stop
to make something or someone stop or come to a halt.
detener
detention
act of detaining someone, usually for legal reasons.
detención
detained
person who has been detained by the authorities.
detenido

Slang Meanings

Capture
That party was so good that we were stopped by the rhythm.
Esa fiesta estuvo tan buena que nos detenían por el ritmo.
They might have someone in their sights
If you can't go out tonight, it's like you're being held back.
Si no puedes salir esta noche, es como si te detenían.