1. a person who detains or holds someone or something
2. a legal document authorizing the continued detention of a person already in custody
Usage: legal
3. the wrongful withholding of another person’s property
Usage: legal

Examples

• The immigration detainer prevented his release from jail.
• Police issued a detainer to keep the suspect in custody pending federal charges.
• The court ruled that the detainer of the vehicle was unlawful.
• A federal detainer was placed on the defendant after his arrest.
• The detainer argued that he had legal authority to hold the property.
• Immigration officials filed a detainer request with the local sheriff.
• The lawyer challenged the validity of the detainer in court.