This is the 11748th most frequent Russian word.
задерживали
"Задерживали" means "were detaining" or "were delaying."
Imperfective verb in past tense, describing an ongoing action of detaining.
Полиция задерживала нарушителей на демонстрации.
The police were detaining violators at the demonstration.
Imperfective verb in past tense, describing an ongoing action of holding one's breath.
Мы задерживали дыхание, наблюдая за опасной сценой.
We were holding our breath, watching the dangerous scene.
Imperfective verb in past tense, describing an ongoing action of postponing.