detention

[dih-ten-shuhn] / dɪˈtɛn ʃən /

NOUN

confinement, imprisonment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrest custody delay incarceration internment quarantine

STRONG

apprehension bust detainment hindrance immurement impediment pen pickup pinch restraint retention withholding

WEAK

arrestation holding back holding pen keeping in nab time up the river

Antonyms

STRONG

aid assistance help

WEAK

freedom liberation release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But when he was finally released from detention, he was unable to work as his immigration case proceeded.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

The complaint was filed on behalf of 14 deportees, some of whom are currently held in Equatorial Guinea under conditions "amounting to arbitrary and indefinite detention", according to the lawsuit, seen by AFP.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Dozens of U.S. citizens and immigrants are seeking millions in damages, alleging excessive force, wrongful detention and other abuses by federal agents during immigration raids.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

After being in detention, 422 people from 41 countries were then deported by Israel.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Class is in the detention room, while Miss Saunders’s room is being repaired.

From "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake

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