Detention — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈten-chən/ de·ten·tion

Meaning & Definition of Detention

Detention (noun)

  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
  3. a punishment in which a student is required to stay at school for a period of time beyond normal class hours

Detention (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the state of being held in lawful custody

    "he's been in detention since the arrest"

    similar: detainer, detainment, hold, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration
    related: captivity, confinement, internment, apprehension, arrest, arrestment, bust (slang), collar, pinch, capture, entrapment, seizure, enchainment, restraint
    opposite: discharge, release
    near: emancipation, freedom, liberation

  2. an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business

    "the detention at the airport security checkpoint was brief, but because he was running late, it caused him to miss his flight"

    similar: delay, detainment, holdback, holding pattern, holdup, wait
    related: deferment, deferral, postponement, reprieve, respite, foot-dragging, hesitation, lag, pause, setback, slowdown
    near: haste, rush, dispatch, promptitude, promptness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detention

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detention:

detainer, detainment, hold, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, delay, holdback, holding pattern, holdup, wait

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detention

Words with the opposite meaning of Detention:

discharge, release

Related Words for Detention

captivity, confinement, internment, apprehension, arrest, arrestment, bust, collar, pinch, capture, entrapment, seizure, enchainment, restraint, deferment, deferral, postponement, reprieve, respite, foot-dragging, hesitation, lag, pause, setback, slowdown

Near Antonyms of Detention

emancipation, freedom, liberation, haste, rush, dispatch, promptitude, promptness

Origin & Etymology of Detention

Middle English detencion, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin detention-, detentio, from detinēre to detain

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Detention

Words & Phrases Containing Detention

detention home, detention center, in detention

Frequently Asked Questions about Detention

What does "Detention" mean?

"Detention" means the act or fact of detaining or holding back; especially, a holding in custody. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or fact of detaining or holding back; especially, a holding in custody. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Detention"?

Other words for "Detention" include detainer, detainment, hold, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, delay and holdback. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detention" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detention"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detention". Common alternatives include detainer, detainment, hold, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, delay, holdback, holding pattern and holdup.

What is the opposite of "Detention"?

Antonyms of "Detention" include discharge and release. Near antonyms include emancipation, freedom, liberation and haste.

How do you use "Detention" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detention" in a sentence: "he's been in detention since the arrest"; "the detention at the airport security checkpoint was brief, but because he was running late, it caused him to miss his flight".

Is "Detention" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Detention" is a noun.

Is "Detention" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Detention" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Detention"?

"Detention" is pronounced /di-ˈten-chən/ and divided into syllables as de·ten·tion.