Detention
/dɪˈtenʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of being kept in custody or confinement, especially for a specific reason, such as punishment or awaiting trial.
/dɪˈtenʃən/
The act of keeping someone in official custody, typically for a limited period.
The prisoner was held in detention for several days before his trial.
💡 Simply: Imagine you did something wrong and have to stay after school, or maybe the police hold someone for a little while. That's detention – being held back.
👶 For kids: When you have to stay in a place, like school, when you're not supposed to, like when you've been bad.
More Examples
The teacher gave him detention for talking in class.
Border patrol agents are authorized to take aliens into detention.
How It's Used
"The suspect was held in detention pending further investigation."
"Students who break the rules may receive detention after school."
A form of punishment, especially in schools, where a student is required to remain after the regular hours.
/dɪˈtenʃən/
A punishment in which a student is required to stay at school for a period of time after classes have ended.
He received detention for talking back to the teacher.
💡 Simply: Imagine you broke a school rule, and the teacher makes you stay after school as a punishment. That's detention.
👶 For kids: When you have to stay at school after everyone else is gone because you did something wrong.
More Examples
Detention is a common form of punishment for breaking school rules.
The principal assigned the student a week of detention.
How It's Used
"The student was assigned detention for disrupting class."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle French detention, from Latin detentio ('a holding back'), from detinere ('to hold back, restrain'), from de- ('away, off') + tenere ('to hold').
The word 'detention' has been used since the 14th century to denote the act of holding or keeping someone in custody.
Memory tip
Think of 'detain' + 'tion' - the state of being held back.
Word Origin
"to hold back, restrain"