Detention Meaning
/dɪˈtɛnʃn̩/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.
nounA temporary state of custody or confinement., Confinement of a prisoner awaiting trial.
Sentence Examples
Tom was given detention for talking during class.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
They were sentenced to 12 months' detention in a young offender institution.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The student faced ____ after being caught cheating on the exam.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tom was given ____ for talking during class.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French détention, from Latin detentio, detentionem. Equivalent to detain + -tion.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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."
— 1945 January and February, T. F. Cameron, “Dock Working”, in Railway Magazine, page 12:
""[…] On the 18th of October, 1841, a very intense magnetic disturbance was recorded, and amongst other curious facts mentioned is that of the detention of the 10:05pm express train at Exeter for 16 minutes, as from the magnetic disturbance affecting the needles so powerfully, it was impossible to ascertain if the line was clear at Starcross. The superintendent at Exeter reported the next morning that someone was playing tricks with the instruments, and would not let them work.""
— 2023 November 15, Prof. Jim Wild, “This train was delayed because of bad weather in space”, in RAIL, number 996, page 30:
"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."
— 1985, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, Back to the Future, spoken by Mr. Strickland:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The student faced ____ after being caught cheating on the exam.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Tom was given ____ for talking during class.