Meaning & Definition of word "Detention"

Detention

/dɪˈtɛnʃən/

1. The act of keeping someone in a place, usually as a form of punishment or to prevent them from leaving.
- Example: After school, the students were held in detention for being late to class.
2. The state of being detained; confinement.
- Example: The suspect was taken into detention while the investigation continued.
3. A period of time in which someone, especially a student, is required to remain at school after hours as a punishment.
- Example: He had to serve a week of detention for not completing his homework.
4. The act of delaying something or the state of being delayed.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: Saturday detention

● Example Sentence: She has Saturday detention this week for being late to class.

Meaning: After school detention

● Example Sentence: He got after school detention for his behavior in class.