C1noun 2K

Detention

🇬🇧 UK /["/dɪˈtenʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/dɪˈtenʃn/"]/

Meaning of Detention

the state of being kept in a place, especially a prison, and prevented from leaving

In simple words: A time when students have to stay after school as a punishment.

Detention in a sentence

• The student received detention for being late to class.
• After the argument, the child was given detention during lunch break.
• Detention centers are often used to hold immigrants temporarily.
• The government announced new policies for immigration detention.
• The teacher uses detention as a consequence for misbehavior.
• His illegal entry resulted in detention by the authorities.

How to use Detention

Used commonly in school contexts. It may not be appropriate to use in casual conversations or outside of educational settings. In formal writing, it can refer to holding someone against their will, like in law enforcement.

Grammar pattern

detention + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'detain' — you are being kept in one place for a while.

Related words

Collocations with Detention

• arbitrary
• pretrial
• indefinite
• be in
• remain in
• hold somebody in
• camp
• centre/​center
• facility
• in detention
• under detention
• a period of detention
• a term of detention
• arbitrary
• pretrial
• indefinite
• be in
• remain in
• hold somebody in
• camp
• centre/​center
• facility
• in detention
• under detention
• a period of detention
• a term of detention

Synonyms for Detention

• punishment
• disciplinary action
• confinement
• restriction

Opposites of Detention

• freedom
• release
• liberation

Common mistakes with Detention

• Confusing 'detention' with 'attention' in pronunciation.
• Using 'detentions' as a plural in contexts where it's unnecessary.
• Misunderstanding the severity, thinking it's only for misbehavior when it can also be used for other reasons.

Frequently asked questions about Detention

What does Detention mean?

A time when students have to stay after school as a punishment.

What is the definition of Detention?

the state of being kept in a place, especially a prison, and prevented from leaving

How do you use Detention in a sentence?

The student received detention for being late to class.

Can you give another example of Detention?

After the argument, the child was given detention during lunch break.

What are synonyms for Detention?

Common alternatives include punishment, disciplinary action, confinement, restriction.

What is the opposite of Detention?

Opposite meanings include freedom, release, liberation.

What words go with Detention?

It commonly pairs with arbitrary, pretrial, indefinite, be in, remain in, hold somebody in, camp, centre/​center, facility, in detention, under detention, a period of detention, a term of detention, arbitrary, pretrial, indefinite, be in, remain in, hold somebody in, camp, centre/​center, facility, in detention, under detention, a period of detention, a term of detention.

What are common mistakes when using Detention?

Confusing 'detention' with 'attention' in pronunciation. Using 'detentions' as a plural in contexts where it's unnecessary. Misunderstanding the severity, thinking it's only for misbehavior when it can also be used for other reasons.

How do you pronounce Detention?

US: /["/dɪˈtenʃn/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈtenʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Detention?

Used commonly in school contexts. It may not be appropriate to use in casual conversations or outside of educational settings. In formal writing, it can refer to holding someone against their will, like in law enforcement.

What CEFR level is Detention?

"Detention" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.