detention
dih-TEN-shun
/dɪˈtenʃən/
The action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody.
In schools, it's a minor punishment (staying after class); in the legal system, it refers to temporary custody while awaiting trial or sentencing.
The story behind the word. From 'de-' (away/down) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means to 'hold someone away' from their intended destination or from society.
Word relationships
- custody: Custody is a broader term for being under the care or control of authorities; detention is the specific act of being held.
- release: Release is the act of letting someone go, the opposite of detention.
Commonly confused with
- retention: Retention is keeping something (like information or employees); detention is holding someone back as punishment.
Word family
- detain (verb): To keep someone from proceeding; to hold in custody.
- detainee (noun): A person held in custody.
Collocations
- detention center
- juvenile detention
- after-school detention
Example sentences
- "I had to stay in detention for an hour because I was caught talking during the exam." School setting.
- "The suspect was held in pre-trial detention because the judge deemed him a flight risk." Legal setting.
Memory hook
Detention: You are 'detained' in a 'station.' Held back from where you want to be.
When not to use
Don't use for long-term prison sentences; use 'incarceration' or 'imprisonment.'
Fun facts
- In some countries, 'preventative detention' allows the state to hold people without charge if they are considered a threat to national security.
Related words
Explore more words
arrest, suspect, incarceration, interrogate, suspension, apprehend
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