detention Definition
- 1the state of being kept in a place, especially a prison, and not being allowed to leave
- 2a 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
Idioms Using detention
Example
The student was caught cheating and spent the afternoon in detention.
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.
Example
The judge ordered a detention of judgment until further evidence could be presented.
Phrases with detention
Example
The suspect is currently under detention while the investigation continues.
Example
The refugees were taken to a place of detention upon arrival.
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'
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.