detémverb/dɨˈtẽj̃/mediumde·temPortuguesEnglishEspanolFrancaisDefinitionThird person singular form of the verb 'to detain' or 'to hold' in the present tense.The authority detains the individual for questioning.This file holds the key evidence.synholdskeepsretainsantreleasesgives uplosesCommon collocationsholds powerholds informationholds a prisonerEtymologyDo latim 'detinere'.Related wordsdetençãodetentodetentordetergente