noun

detainee

detainee, prisoner, captive

The detainee was questioned by the authorities.

The detainee was questioned by the authorities.

The rights of the detainees must be respected.

The rights of the detainees must be respected.

a/the detainee a person held in custody The detainee was held without charge.

Synonyms: prisoner, captive, inmate

From the verb 'detain' plus the suffix '-ee', which indicates the person who is the object of the verb's action. Someone who is 'detained'.

The '-ee' at the end often means 'a person who is...'. An employEE is a person who is employED. A detainEE is a person who is detainED.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.