retén

Retén is a Spanish noun that can refer to a guard post, checkpoint, or temporary control point established by police, military, or other authorities to monitor access, inspect vehicles, or detain individuals. Retenes are commonly set up on roads, at border crossings, near public events, or at facilities requiring restricted access.

As a noun, retén also denotes the unit or detachment assigned to guard or protect a location, such as a police retén or a military retén. The term emphasizes a small, organized group rather than a fixed infrastructure.

Usage varies across Spanish-speaking regions. In many countries, a roadside retén is a routine traffic control measure or security checkpoint. In emergency or disaster contexts, a retén can be established to coordinate sheltering, aid, and evacuation.

The plural form is retenes. Etymology stems from the verb retener, meaning to retain or hold, reflecting its function of holding or controlling access.