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Added 9 October 2026

detention

/dɪˈtɛnʃn̩/ noun

Categories: Describing WordsActionsUncommon Words

Latin root: detentio Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about detention at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.
  2. A temporary state of custody or confinement.
    be stuck in detention
  3. Confinement of a prisoner awaiting trial.

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French détention, from Latin detentio, detentionem. Equivalent to detain + -tion.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Related Words: confinementcustodyholdholdupdelaydetainmentdetaineedetainingcorrectionsprisonerincarcerationjailing

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