DETENTION Meaning and
Definition
-
Detention is a noun that refers to the act of detaining or confining someone or something, usually as a form of punishment or restraint. It can also represent the state of being held against one's will or being stuck in a particular location. This term frequently applies to individuals who are held in a designated place, such as a prison, jail, or detention center.
In an educational context, detention commonly refers to the disciplinary action taken by schools where students are required to stay after school hours or during breaks as a consequence for misbehavior or breaking rules. During this time, students may be required to complete assigned tasks, write lines, or reflect on their behavior with the intention of promoting discipline and discouraging future misconduct.
Detention can also be used in a legal sense to denote the temporary detention or arrest of an individual by law enforcement authorities. This typically occurs when a person is suspected of committing a crime or considered a potential threat to others or themselves.
Overall, detention implies a situation where an individual's freedom or movement is restricted, often as a disciplinary measure, legal procedure, or for public safety reasons.
-
• Act of detaining; a keeping back; confinement or restraint; delay from necessity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DETENTION *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DETENTION
Etymology of DETENTION
The word detention comes from the Latin word detentio, which is the noun form of the verb detinere. Detinere is composed of the prefix de- meaning away or from, and the verb tenere meaning to hold or to keep. Therefore, detinere means to hold back or to keep in custody. This Latin term was eventually borrowed into Old French as detention, and has since been adopted into the English language with the same meaning of confinement or keeping someone in custody.
Similar spelling words for DETENTION
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
