Definitions

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.

The agency told the San José Spotlight that the project is an ICE office and denied that it would be a detention center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The two seen in the video have been placed in pre-trial detention.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is suing the GEO Group, the private firm running the ICE detention center, demanding access.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

But she spent nearly a year-and-a-half in jail in pre-trial detention from 2018-20.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

I didn’t want to be walking the paddle mile or bringing home a third detention slip from the office.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Vocabulary lists containing detention

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