detenida

Detenida is the feminine singular past participle of the Spanish verb detener, meaning to stop, hold back, or to arrest/detain. When used as an adjective, it describes a person who has been detained or arrested. The masculine form is detenido; the corresponding feminine noun form is la detenida, which can function as a noun referring to a female detainee.

Etymology and scope: detener comes from Latin detinere, meaning to hold back. In legal and police language, detention can refer to a temporary deprivation of liberty that may precede a formal arrest or constitute preventive or administrative custody, depending on the jurisdiction. The exact definitions and procedures vary across countries and legal systems.

Usage: In Spanish, detenida is widely used in journalism, police reports, and legal texts to denote a female who is under restraint by authorities. The term conveys status rather than guilt; the presumption of innocence applies until proven otherwise. Depending on the country, detención and arrest procedures, rights to counsel, and duration of confinement can differ.

Examples: "Una detenida fue presentada ante la autoridad competente." "La detenida declaró no tener conocimiento del hecho." When referring to groups, one can say "las detenidas" to denote multiple female detainees. The masculine counterpart is "el detenido" or "las detenidos" in some contexts, though the typical plural is "los detenidos."