detenha

Detenha is a conjugated form of the Portuguese verb deter, which means to stop, hold back, or detain. It is used as a formal imperative (for você) or as the third-person singular present subjunctive. The form appears in both Brazilian and European Portuguese, depending on context.

Etymology and meaning: deter comes from Latin detinere, combining a prefix meaning "away" with tenere, “to hold.” In Portuguese, detêm and related forms cover senses from to halt an action to to arrest or detain a person or object. The imperative detenha is commonly used in commands or instructions, while the present subjunctive detenha may appear in subordinate clauses expressing wishes, necessity, or doubt, e.g., Que ele detenha o suspeito.

Usage notes: Detenha is typical in formal or official language, such as law enforcement, legal texts, or news reporting. In everyday conversation, speakers may use synonyms like prender, parar, or deter as appropriate to the context. Reflexive form, Detenha-se, means “stop yourself” or “hold back yourself,” and is used for self-directed commands.

Examples:

- Detenha o veículo na próxima esquina. (Stop the vehicle at the next corner.)

- Que a polícia detenha o suspeito o mais rápido possível. (That the police detain the suspect as soon as possible.)

- Detenha-se imediatamente. (Stop yourself immediately.)

See also: deter, detenção, detido, detentor, prisão. In English, the corresponding term is detain.