detainment
Americannoun
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of detainment
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.
To a pastor released after a warrantless detainment.
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2026
The detainment of the pair sparked protests outside the detention facility where they were being held, and led to a national outcry.
From BBC ● Feb. 1, 2026
The case has been closely monitored by human rights groups including Amal Clooney's Clooney Foundation for Justice, which in October questioned the lengthy detainment, citing "repeated postponements and slow progress".
From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026
Limón is one of the most powerful politicians in the state behind Gov. Gavin Newsom, but the detainment of American citizens, including U.S.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 4, 2026
Defense witnesses who were not imprisoned now risked detainment if they testified.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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