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Definition of internment

internment

/ɪnˈtɝːn.mənt/
in · tern · ment
Plural:internments
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internment Lexical Profile

internment Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state of being confined as a prisoner, especially for political or military reasons without a formal trial.

Example

"The historical museum features an exhibit documenting the forced internment of thousands of civilians during the Second World War."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for internment
Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'internment' (the detention or confinement of people, especially during wartime) with 'interment' (the burial of a corpse in a grave or tomb).

• Rhymes for internment

• Nearby Words

internee
internet
internist
internment
internship
interoffice
interparty

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from the verb 'intern' and the suffix '-ment', modeled on French 'internement', which traces back to Latin 'internus' meaning 'inward' or 'internal'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Internment. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/internment
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