detention

[dɪˈtɛnʃən]

detention Definition

• 1. the state of being kept in a place, especially a prison, and not being allowed to leave
• 2. a punishment in which a student is required to stay at school after others have gone home

Using detention: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "detention" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He was held in detention for questioning.

• Example

  The student received detention for being late to class.

• Example

  The detention center houses juvenile offenders.

• Example

  The government has been criticized for its detention policies.

detention Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for detention

• imprisonment
• confinement
• custody
• incarceration
• restraint

Antonyms for detention

• release
• freedom

Idioms Using detention

• in detention

  being held in custody or confinement, often used for juveniles in school settings

  Example

  The student was caught cheating and spent the afternoon in detention.

• get out of detention free card

  an imaginary card that excuses someone from punishment or consequences

  Example

  I wish I had a get out of detention free card for every time I forget my homework.

• detention of judgment

  a legal term referring to the postponement of a final decision in a case

  Example

  The judge ordered a detention of judgment until further evidence could be presented.

Phrases with detention

• under detention

  being held in custody or confinement

  Example

  The suspect is currently under detention while the investigation continues.

• place of detention

  a facility where people are held in custody or confinement

  Example

  The refugees were taken to a place of detention upon arrival.

• preventive detention

  the practice of detaining people without trial or charge, usually for the purpose of preventing them from committing crimes

  Example

  The government has been accused of abusing preventive detention to suppress political dissent.

Origins of detention

from Latin 'detentio', meaning 'a holding back'

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Summary: detention in Brief

The term 'detention' [dɪˈtɛnʃən] refers to being held in a place, often as a punishment or for legal reasons. It can refer to imprisonment, confinement, or custody, as well as to a school punishment where a student stays after hours. Phrases like 'under detention' and 'place of detention' specify the location, while 'preventive detention' refers to detention without trial. Idioms like 'in detention' and 'get out of detention free card' are common in school settings.