detainee

[dih-tey-nee, dee-tey-nee]

noun

1. a person held in custody, especially for a political offense or for questioning.

Word History and Origins

Origin of detainee¹

First recorded in 1925–30; detain + -ee

Example Sentences

She said she works in a hospital that sometimes takes sick or injured detainees from the Broadview facility, as well as protesters arrested by ICE in the area.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The police station commander, two junior officers and three civilian detainees face murder charges.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But even now some details, including the names of the Palestinian detainees to be freed, are being argued over.

Read more on BBC

The judge noted that the September 11 attacks previously qualified as an “extraordinary circumstance” in delaying notices to appear to noncitizen detainees, but said that Rovidio Marin has been held “substantially longer.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Adelanto detainees, who spoke with CalMatters on condition that they not be named because they fear retaliation, said the sites are crowded, and it’s taking a long time to access medications and medical care.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hostage 
• prisoner 
• prisoner of war 
• slave