detention
detention Lexical Profile
detention Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A disciplinary punishment in which a student is required to remain at school outside of regular hours, such as after classes or during a break.
"The teacher gave him an hour of detention on Friday afternoon for repeatedly arriving late to class."
The action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody, especially prior to a trial or for questioning.
"The defense attorney challenged the legality of the suspect's prolonged detention without formal charges."
The withholding or delaying of property, goods, or funds belonging to another party, or the delay of a vessel in port beyond the agreed laytime.
"The shipping company incurred heavy financial penalties due to the unexpected detention of the cargo vessel at the port."
• Rhymes for detention
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle French détention, from Late Latin detentionem ('a keeping back'), derived from the verb detinere ('to hold back, keep off'), combining de- ('away') and tenere ('to hold').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.