detention

de·ten·tion

noun \di-ˈten-chən\

Definition of DETENTION

1

: the act or fact of detaining or holding back; especially : a holding in custody

2

: the state of being detained; especially : a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court

Examples of DETENTION

1. the detention of suspected terrorists
2. The jail is only used for brief detentions.
3. They both got three detentions this year.
4. He got detention for being late to class.

Origin of DETENTION

Middle English detencion, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin detention-, detentio, from detinēre to detain

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DETENTION

Synonyms: detainer, detainment, hold, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration

Antonyms: discharge, release

Related Words: captivity, confinement, internment; apprehension, arrest, arrestment, bust [slang], collar, pinch; capture, entrapment, seizure; enchainment, restraint

Near Antonyms: emancipation, freedom, liberation

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with DETENTION

dimension, high-tension, Vincentian