detention

detention

noun

Definition of DETENTION

1

the state of being held in lawful custody <he's been in detention since the arrest>

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

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

Near Antonyms emancipation, freedom, liberation

Antonyms discharge, release

2

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business <an inane joke about a bomb netted the airline passenger no laughs, only a two-hour detention that caused him to miss his flight>

Synonyms detainment, detention, holdback, holding pattern, holdup, wait

Related Words deferment, deferral, postponement; reprieve, respite; foot-dragging, hesitation, lag, pause, setback, slowdown

Near Antonyms haste, rush; dispatch, promptitude, promptness