C1noun2K

Detention

UK /["/dɪˈtenʃn/"]/US /["/dɪˈtenʃn/"]/

Definition

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.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

  • 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

  • punishment
  • disciplinary action
  • confinement
  • restriction

Antonyms

  • freedom
  • release
  • liberation

Common mistakes

  • 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.