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Dictionary Language resources

detention

Pronunciation: /dɪˈtɛnʃ(ə)n/

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Definition of detention

noun

[mass noun]

the action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody:the fifteen people arrested were still in police detention
the punishment of being kept in school after hours:teachers were divided as to the effectiveness of detention [count noun]:masters gave lines or detentions

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'withholding of what is claimed or due'): from late Latin detentio(n-), from Latin detinere 'hold back' (see detain)