detention
noun
de·ten·tion
di-ˈten-chən
1
: the act or fact of detaining or holding back
especially
: a holding in custody
the detention of suspects
2
: the state of being detained
Some protesters were held in detention.
especially
: a period of temporary custody prior to disposition by a court
3
: a punishment in which a student is required to stay at school for a period of time beyond normal class hours
Cite this Entry
“Detention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detention. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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