detainment

[ dih-teyn-muhnt ]

noun

1. the condition of being under restraint or in custody; imprisonment:

   Participants also risk arrest and possible detainment in an already overflowing jail.

2. the condition of being delayed or kept from proceeding:

   We were finally allowed to cross the border after six hours of detainment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of detainment¹

detain ( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

While many are outraged at the detainment of Django Unchained actress Daniele Watts, not all are shocked.

From The Daily Beast

Her detainment seems to have strengthened her determination.

From The Daily Beast

See the latest updates, including the detainment of three U.S. students.

From The Daily Beast

Given the detainment of journalists in Libya, will that deter other journalists from heading into dangerous zones?

From The Daily Beast

She disputed news reports suggesting that Assange was living in fear of arrest or detainment by U.S.  authorities.

From The Daily Beast

He had been certain what the purpose of the detainment was, and who the inspector would be, yet he had not really been worried.

From Project Gutenberg

Judge Brentano evinced great displeasure when he read the return of the illegal detainment of the prisoner.

From Project Gutenberg

By 13th October the detainment of this new Army was in full progress west and south-west of Brussels.

From Project Gutenberg

What, in the wisdom of the Dheb Rhal, is the reason for my—er—detainment?

From Project Gutenberg