detainer

noun

de·​tain·​er di-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce detainer (audio)
1
: the act of keeping something in one's possession
specifically : the withholding from the rightful owner of something that has lawfully come into the possession of the holder
2
: detention in custody
3
: a writ authorizing the keeper of a prison to continue to hold a person in custody

Examples of detainer in a Sentence

keep him in detainer for at least 72 hours she filed an action for unlawful detainer of land after nonpayment of rent
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At that, Volpe entered a detention/detainer order on Gorman. Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2025 The ruling bars local law enforcement from keeping someone in their custody solely based on a civil immigration detainer issued by federal officials. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025 The agreement also provides that Miami-Dade can be reimbursed $50 for each inmate held on a detainer. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025 While Gonzalez’ bond has been set at $500,000, she will not be released due to an immigration detainer, officials said at a news conference last week. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for detainer

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French detenour, alteration of detenir

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detainer was in 1619

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainer. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

detainer

noun
de·​tain·​er di-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce detainer (audio)
1
: the act of keeping something in one's possession
specifically : unlawful detainer
2
: detention in custody
3
: a notification sent by a prosecutor, judge, or other official advising a prison official that a prisoner is wanted to answer criminal charges and requesting continued detention of the prisoner or notification of the prisoner's impending release compare extradition
Etymology

Anglo-French detenoure, from detenir to restrain, detain, from Old French, from Latin detinere

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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