Detention

Definition

Detention refers to the act of holding someone in custody, typically as a form of punishment, or as a preventative measure, such as when a student is kept after school for disciplinary reasons. It can also refer to the temporary confinement of individuals, particularly in legal or correctional contexts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈtɛnʃən/
• Respelling: dih-TEN-shun

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈtɛnʃən/
• Respelling: dih-TEN-shun

The pronunciation of "detention" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "detention" comes from the Latin word "detentio," meaning "a keeping back" or "holding." It is derived from "detinere," which means "to hold back" or "to detain." The term entered English in the 15th century and has been used to describe the act of confining or holding someone, especially as a form of punishment or restriction.

Derivatives

• Detain (verb)
• Detained (adjective)
• Detainer (noun)
• Indefinite detention (noun)
• Pretrial detention (noun)

Synonyms

• Imprisonment
• Confinement
• Custody

Antonyms

• Release
• Freedom
• Liberty

Usage

The word "detention" is used in legal, educational, and correctional contexts. In schools, it refers to the practice of keeping students after class for misbehavior. In legal contexts, it refers to the act of keeping a person in custody, either before or after a trial. It is often associated with imprisonment or the temporary confinement of individuals pending further action.

Related Terms

• Incarceration: The state of being confined in prison.
• Arrest: The action of seizing someone to take them into custody.
• Disciplinary action: A corrective measure taken to address wrongdoing, often in schools or workplaces.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of holding someone in custody or confinement: Refers to the physical or legal confinement of a person, especially for legal or disciplinary purposes.
  • Example: "The suspect was placed in detention pending a court hearing."
• A form of punishment, especially for students, where they are kept after school: Refers to a disciplinary measure commonly used in educational settings.
  • Example: "He was given detention for being late to class."