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

Previously, the defense had proposed Combs’ Miami mansion for home detention, but the judge rejected that Friday because it has a dock and access to the water.

From Los Angeles Times

Based on an arrest warrant tied to that kidnapping, the Mexican government in September 2022 issued an Interpol Red Notice seeking the detention of Gutierrez-Ochoa.

From Los Angeles Times

Another member of the DC Brigade was Russell Taylor of Ladera Ranch, who was sentenced to six months of home detention after pleading guilty.

From Los Angeles Times

In a letter, the Texas General Land Office said the plot could be used to build facilities for "processing, detention, and co-ordination of the largest deportation of violent criminals in the nation's history".

From BBC

Constance defended the government's record, highlighting revamped community payback orders, electronic monitoring, home detention curfews and bail and release reforms.

From BBC

Related Words

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