What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Detach vs Detain - What's the difference?

detach | detain |

As verbs the difference between detach and detain

is that detach is to take apart from; to take off while detain is keep (someone) from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.

detach

English

Verb

(es)
  • To take apart from; to take off.
    • to detach the tag from a newly purchased garment
  • (military) To separate for a special object or use.
    • to detach a ship from a fleet, or a company from a regiment

    Antonyms

    * attach

    Derived terms

    * detachable * detachment

    detain

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • Keep (someone) from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
  • To put under custody.
  • To keep back or from; to withhold.
  • * Jeremy Taylor
    • Detain not the wages of the hireling.