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

O’Keefe’s video documenting his detainment circulated on social media over the weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, this summer, federal immigration enforcement raids led many undocumented workers to leave their posts over fear of detainment.

From Los Angeles Times

On his first call to his son after the detainment, Barranco was less concerned with his injuries and more concerned with his job.

From Los Angeles Times

Martinez is of a handful of American citizens whose arrest or detainment by immigration officers over the past week have gained widespread attention.

From Los Angeles Times

Martinez is one of a handful of American citizens whose arrests or detainments by immigration officers over the last two weeks have gained widespread attention.

From Los Angeles Times