The meaning of DETENTION is the act or fact of detaining or holding back; especially : a holding in custody. How to use detention in a sentence.

Detention is the process whereby a state or private citizen holds a person by removing or restricting their freedom or liberty at that time. Detention can be due to (pending) criminal …

DETENTION definition: 1. the act of officially detaining someone: 2. a form of punishment in which children are made to…. Learn more.

1 day ago · detention (countable and uncountable, plural detentions) (uncountable) The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.

Detention is when someone is arrested or put into prison, especially for political reasons. ...the detention without trial of government critics. They have been held in detention since the end of …

The state or a period of being detained, especially: a. A period of temporary custody while awaiting trial. b. A holding of a person in custody or confinement by authorities for political or …

DETENTION meaning: 1 : the act of keeping someone in a prison or similar place; 2 : the state of being kept in a prison or similar place

Jul 16, 2025 · In criminal law, a detention is a temporary seizure of a person by law enforcement for the purpose of an investigation. It is a brief deprivation of liberty that is more than a …

DETENTION definition: the act of detaining. See examples of detention used in a sentence.

Definition of detention noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.