What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
internment
Example
During World War II, Japanese Americans were subjected to internment in the United States. [internment: noun]
Example
The government ordered the internment of all refugees who arrived after the deadline. [internment: noun]
detention
Example
The suspect was taken into police custody for detention and questioning. [detention: noun]
Example
The juvenile offender was sentenced to six months of detention in a youth correctional facility. [detention: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detention is more commonly used than internment in everyday language, especially in legal and law enforcement contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between internment and detention?
Internment is more formal and associated with historical or political contexts, while detention is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, including informal and colloquial language.
