detention
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for detention, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state of being held in official custody, especially while awaiting trial.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use detention
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
in detention
detention centre
get detention
Etymology
From Latin detentio, from detinere, "to hold back".
Full origin of detention →Frequently asked questions
What does “detention” mean?
The word “detention” means the state of being held in official custody, especially while awaiting trial. In plain terms, being held back, either in custody as an adult or as a school punishment.
How do you pronounce “detention”?
“Detention” is pronounced dih-TEHNSHN (/dɪˈtɛnʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “detention” in a sentence?
Here is “detention” used in a sentence: “He was held in detention for two months before the hearing.”
What part of speech is “detention”?
“Detention” is a noun.
Where does the word “detention” come from?
The word “detention” comes from Latin. From Latin detentio, from detinere, "to hold back".
Is “detention” a common word?
“Detention” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “detention” have?
“Detention” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being held in official custody, especially while awaiting trial.
What is the difference between 'detention' and 'arrest'?
Arrest is the act of seizing and taking someone into custody, usually by police, while detention is the ongoing state of being held in official custody, often while awaiting trial. An arrest begins the process, and detention is the condition that may follow.
What is the difference between 'detention' and 'imprisonment'?
Detention usually refers to being held in custody before or without a conviction, such as while awaiting trial. Imprisonment refers to being confined as a punishment after being found guilty, so detention can be temporary and precautionary whereas imprisonment follows a sentence.
What is the difference between 'detention' and 'suspension' at school?
Detention requires a student to stay behind after hours as a punishment while still attending school normally. Suspension bars the student from attending school for a set period, making detention a minor, in-school penalty and suspension a temporary removal.
