What does the term "detain" mean?

The term "detain" refers specifically to the act of preventing a person from arriving at or leaving a location. This definition focuses on the ability to hold someone without allowing them to exit or proceed as they intended. In the context of security, detaining an individual often occurs when there is a reasonable suspicion that they may be involved in illicit activity or when it is necessary to ensure the safety of others.

Detaining does not imply that the individual is under arrest or has committed a crime; rather, it suggests a temporary measure to maintain control of a situation or investigate further before allowing the individual to leave or take further action.