Detention

/dɪˈtɛnʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of keeping someone in a place, usually as a form of punishment or to prevent them from leaving.

After school, the students were held in detention for being late to class.

The state of being detained; confinement.

The suspect was taken into detention while the investigation continued.

A period of time in which someone, especially a student, is required to remain at school after hours as a punishment.

He had to serve a week of detention for not completing his homework.

The act of delaying something or the state of being delayed.

The detention of the shipment caused frustration for the supplier.

From Latin 'detentio', from 'detentus', the past participle of 'detinere'.

in detention

Being held in confinement or restriction, often as a punishment.

detention center

A facility where individuals are detained, often used for illegal immigrants or juvenile offenders.

detention hearing

A legal proceeding to determine whether an individual should be held in custody.

detain

To hold someone back or keep them in custody.

detainment

The act of detaining someone.

Saturday detention

She has Saturday detention this week for being late to class.

After school detention

He got after school detention for his behavior in class.