First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
detention
noun de·ten·tion \di-ˈten-chən\
: the act of keeping someone in a prison or similar place
: the state of being kept in a prison or similar place
: a punishment in which a student is required to stay at school after the rest of the students have left
Full Definition of DETENTION
1
: the act or fact of detaining or holding back; especially : a holding in custody
2
: the state of being detained; especially : a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court
See detention defined for English-language learners
See detention defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DETENTION
Middle English detencion, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin detention-, detentio, from detinēre to detain
Related to DETENTION
- Synonyms
- detainer, detainment, hold, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration
Rhymes with DETENTION
DETENTION Defined for Kids
detention
noun de·ten·tion \di-ˈten-chən\
Definition of DETENTION for Kids
1
: the act of holding back or delaying : the condition of being held or delayed <The prisoner was held in detention before trial.>
2
: the punishment of being kept after school
Learn More About DETENTION
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: detention homePrevious Word in the Dictionary: détenteAll Words Near: detention
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up detention? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).