detention

[ dih-ten-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of detaining.
2. the state of being detained.
3. maintenance of a person in custody or confinement, especially while awaiting a court decision.
4. the withholding of what belongs to or is claimed by another.

adjective

1. of or relating to detention or used to detain:

   the detention room of a police station.

detention

/ dɪˈtɛnʃən /

noun

1. the act of detaining or state of being detained
2. 1. custody or confinement, esp of a suspect awaiting trial
   2. ( as modifier )

      a detention order

3. a form of punishment in which a pupil is detained after school
4. the withholding of something belonging to or claimed by another

Other Words From

• nonde·tention noun
• prede·tention noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detention¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin dētentiōn- (stem of dētentiō ), equivalent to dētent ( us ) detained (past participle of dētinēre; detain ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of detention¹

C16: from Latin dētentiō a keeping back; see detain

Example Sentences

County Central Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood — this time without bail, detectives said.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Edwards has also learned that Waring could be free as early as April 2026 under the Home Detention Curfew scheme, although the MOJ said this would only happen subject to a risk assessment closer to the time.

From BBC

With the vast machinery of the Justice Department at his disposal, Gaetz could create a living hell for everyone against whom Trump holds a grudge, subjecting them to arrest and pretrial detention, even if the bogus charges later fizzle out in the court.

From Slate

After a short spell under house arrest, she was placed in pre-trial detention.

From BBC

The magistrate allowed their detention after police said they were still making inquiries on the matter.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrest
• custody
• delay
• incarceration
• internment
• quarantine