detention
nouncommon in dialogue
- //dɪˈtɛnʃn̩//
The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.
noun
- 1
The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.
In the case of rail-borne traffic, permission is given to each sender to load and forward his traffic so that it will be available for loading into the vessel with a minimum of detention to wagons, unless arrangements have been made for the traffic to be put into store to await the arrival of the ship.
- 2
A temporary state of custody or confinement. Confinement of a prisoner awaiting trial.
- 3
A temporary state of custody or confinement. A punishment given to a student for a minor infraction, typically requiring the student to report to a designated room during recess or outside of school hours to work on homework or perform busywork.
be stuck in detention
Now, for slacking off in class and for having a serious attitude problem, your punishment is two weeks in detention, with me, starting this afternoon.
- 4
The bare physical control without the mental element of intention required for possession.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French détention, from Latin detentio, detentionem. Equivalent to detain + -tion.
Forms
- plural
- detentions
detention · The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.
Detention · A locality in Circular Head Council, north western Tasmania,…determination · The act of determining, or the state of being determined. The…determine · To set the boundaries or limits of.