Detention
(noun)
- The act of detaining or the state of being detained.
- The act of keeping someone in custody, especially in a prison or jail.
- The act of holding someone back, especially in a place or situation where they cannot leave.
- A period of time spent in custody or under arrest.
- The temporary confinement of a student during school hours as a punishment for misbehavior.
Origin:
Mid 16th century: from latin detention- 'keeping back', from the verb detinere, from de- 'away, down' + tenere 'to hold'.
Examples:
- The detention of the suspects was necessary for further investigation.
- The detention center was overcrowded with illegal immigrants.
- The detention of the protesters was met with criticism from human rights groups.
- The detention of the ships caused an international incident.
- The detention of the student for talking during class was deemed excessive by the parents.