detain vs delay

detain is not a noun while delay is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
detain	No	No	Yes	No
delay	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, detain and delay are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of detain include hold up.

As verbs, detain and delay are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of detain include stay.

As verbs, delay is a hypernym of detain; that is, delay is a word with a broader meaning than detain:

Other hypernyms of detain include check, retard.

detain (noun)	delay (noun)
	the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time
	time during which some action is awaited

detain (verb)	delay (verb)
cause to be slowed down or delayed	cause to be slowed down or delayed
stop or halt	stop or halt
deprive of freedom; take into confinement	slow the growth or development of
	act later than planned, scheduled, or required