[Vocabulary] detain vs delay

Status
Not open for further replies.

hitinvo

Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2010
Member Type
Student or Learner
what are the differences between detain and delay? (using conditions of each one)
thanks
 

SoothingDave

VIP Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
To detain is an authority figure preventing you from leaving.

To delay is to impose a wait for some reason.

The airline can delay my departure. The airport security can detain me for trying to carry a forbidden item through the security screening.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top