detainment

[ dih-teyn-muhnt ]

/ dɪˈteɪn mənt /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for detainment on Thesaurus.com

noun

the condition of being under restraint or in custody; imprisonment: Participants also risk arrest and possible detainment in an already overflowing jail.

the condition of being delayed or kept from proceeding: We were finally allowed to cross the border after six hours of detainment.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of detainment

detain + -ment

Words nearby detainment

detailer, detailing, detain, detainee, detainer, detainment, detect, detection, detective, detector, detectorist

How to use detainment in a sentence

Diplomats and foreign journalists who have visited the region almost universally report being repeatedly detained by authorities and blocked from approaching areas where camps are located.
Apple is lobbying against a bill aimed at stopping forced labor in China|Reed Albergotti|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
He stopped attending classes for several weeks last year when he thought his mother might need expensive medical treatment in Guatemala, and again when his father wound up briefly detained in immigration custody.
Inside the Lives of Immigrant Teens Working Dangerous Night Shifts in Suburban Factories|by Melissa Sanchez|November 19, 2020|ProPublica
The protesters, who were arrested while chalking on the street, were released an hour after they were detained.
Antiabortion groups sue D.C. after arrests for chalking in front of Planned Parenthood|Emily Davies|November 18, 2020|Washington Post
It also found that people detained there receive inadequate mental health treatment, medical care and are often denied needed dental care.
Morning Report: Beiser Unlikely to Leave Board, Despite New Removal Process|Voice of San Diego|November 18, 2020|Voice of San Diego

The clinics can’t detain you, but you should cancel all travel plans and self-isolate as soon as possible.
Here’s what you need to know about getting a coronavirus test at the airport|Andrea Sachs|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
While many are outraged at the detainment of Django Unchained actress Daniele Watts, not all are shocked.
The Ongoing Stigma of Interracial Dating|Keli Goff|September 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Her detainment seems to have strengthened her determination.
Teen Activist Speaks Out On Rape In Syria’s Prisons|Kristin Deasy|March 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
See the latest updates, including the detainment of three U.S. students.
Egypt's Army Vows Speedy Power Transfer||November 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Given the detainment of journalists in Libya, will that deter other journalists from heading into dangerous zones?
March 20: 7 Best Moments From Sunday Talk|The Daily Beast Video|March 20, 2011|DAILY BEAST
She disputed news reports suggesting that Assange was living in fear of arrest or detainment by U.S. authorities.
Pentagon Snubs Leaker's Lawyers|Philip Shenon|June 18, 2010|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.
Star Surgeon|Alan Nourse
Judge Brentano evinced great displeasure when he read the return of the illegal detainment of the prisoner.
Chicago, Satan's Sanctum|L. O. Curon
By 13th October the detainment of this new Army was in full progress west and south-west of Brussels.
Ypres 1914|Otto Schwink
What, in the wisdom of the Dheb Rhal, is the reason for my—er—detainment?
Grove of the Unborn|Lyn Venable

detainment

Origin of detainment

Words nearby detainment

Words related to detainment

How to use detainment in a sentence