Detentar is a verb in Spanish.
/de.tenˈtaɾ/
Detentar refers to the act of holding or possessing something, particularly in a legal or political context. It is commonly used to imply having power or control over something (like rights, property, or office) that might not necessarily belong to the holder or suggest a degree of illegitimacy. The term is utilized more in formal and legal contexts than in everyday conversation, making it more prevalent in written texts compared to oral speech.
El abogado argumentó que su cliente no debía detentar la propiedad de forma legítima.
The lawyer argued that his client should not hold the property legitimately.
La intención de la ley es evitar que una persona pueda detentar el poder de manera autoritaria.
The intent of the law is to prevent a person from holding power in an authoritarian manner.
Muchas empresas desean detentar la mayor cuota de mercado posible.
Many companies wish to hold the largest possible market share.
While detentar itself is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, it can be part of phrases where its meaning is emphasized regarding power and control.
En algunas dictaduras, se tiende a detentar el poder a costa de los derechos humanos.
In some dictatorships, there is a tendency to hold power at the cost of human rights.
Los corruptos suelen detentar riquezas que no les corresponden.
The corrupt often hold wealth that does not belong to them.
Al detentar información privilegiada, tiene la ventaja sobre sus competidores.
By holding privileged information, you have the advantage over your competitors.
La ley impide a los funcionarios detentar activos personales mientras ocupan un cargo público.
The law prevents officials from holding personal assets while in public office.
Es peligroso detentar tanta influencia en el extranjero sin un respaldo legal.
It is dangerous to hold so much influence abroad without legal backing.
Él ha logrado detentar respeto y autoridad en su comunidad.
He has managed to hold respect and authority in his community.
The verb detentar is derived from the combination of the prefix "de-" (indicating separation or removal) and the Latin word "tenere," meaning "to hold." Thus, it conveys the idea of holding onto something that one may not rightfully possess.
Synonyms: - Poseer (to possess) - Sostener (to sustain/hold) - Retener (to retain)
Antonyms: - Liberar (to release) - Despojar (to strip) - Renunciar (to renounce)
By understanding detentar and its context, one can appreciate its nuances in legal and formal language within the Spanish-speaking world.