detainee

[ dih-tey-nee, dee-tey-nee ]

noun

1. a person held in custody, especially for a political offense or for questioning.

Word History and Origins

Origin of detainee¹

First recorded in 1925–30; detain + -ee

Example Sentences

California’s attorney general last year opened an ongoing civil rights investigation into the increase in deaths in custody, and Riverside County agreed to pay more than $12 million to settle lawsuits linked to detainee deaths going back to 2020.

From Los Angeles Times

The news organizations also reviewed court documents, including arrest records, detainee medical and mental health records, and department notes on jail housing decisions.

From Los Angeles Times

One detainee in 2022, who told guards that he was suicidal, was cleared after a medical check to return to his cell without any suicide-watch protocol.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this year, a man hanged himself while another detainee tried to alert jail guards but couldn’t get their attention.

From Los Angeles Times

He spent significant time in isolation after he was charged with killing another detainee in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hostage
• prisoner
• prisoner of war
• slave