detainer
|de-tain-er|
🇺🇸
/dɪˈteɪnər/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈteɪnə/
to hold or keep in custody
Etymology
'detainer' originates from English, formed from the verb 'detain' plus the agent suffix '-er'. 'Detain' ultimately comes from Latin 'detinēre', where 'de-' meant 'away/from' (or intensifier) and 'tenēre' meant 'to hold'.
'detainer' developed from Middle English forms of 'detain' (borrowed from Old French/Anglo-French 'detenir'/'detener') and the agentive suffix '-er', yielding the modern English noun 'detainer'.
Initially related to the Latin sense of 'holding' (to hold back or keep), it retained that core meaning but acquired specialized legal senses (a writ or formal hold) and the agentive sense 'one who detains'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or thing that detains; one who holds or keeps someone in custody.
The detainer refused to release the suspect until the warrant arrived.
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Noun 2
in law: a writ, order, or formal notice directing that a person be kept in custody or that custody be retained; also a formal request by one authority that a prisoner be held for transfer or further action (e.g., an immigration detainer).
The county jail filed a detainer so federal agents could take custody of the inmate.
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Last updated: 2025/12/25 19:59