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Synonyms

detainment

American  
[dih-teyn-muhnt] / dɪˈteɪn mənt /

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.


Etymology

Origin of detainment

detain ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We were met with improper searches, detainment without cause, and a complete lack of communication or basic dignity. Our pain was ignored. Our safety was threatened,” according to one person’s Facebook post about the incident.

From Los Angeles Times

Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Santa Maria to demand answers about the detainment of nearly 150 people in Limón’s central coastal district in late December.

From Los Angeles Times

Families are divided by the U.S. border or have loved ones in immigration detainment.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither Michigan nor Moore have commented publicly on what happened next, but the firing appears to have set into motion the chain of events that led to Moore’s police detainment later that day.

From The Wall Street Journal

As for the catalog of bona fide stars and meme-made celebs who have expressed gratitude for hearing their work in an ICE detainment video?

From Los Angeles Times