noun

detention

detention

He got a detention for being late.

He got a detention for being late.

The suspect was held in detention.

The suspect was held in detention.

((to get a)) detention He got a detention for being late.

((to be in)) detention The suspect was held in detention.

Synonyms: confinement, custody, punishment

From Latin 'detinere' (to hold back), from 'de-' (away) + 'tenere' (to hold).

To 'detain' someone is to 'hold' them back, so 'detention' is the state of being held back.

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