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

There have been arrests and detainments in the case, but they have not led officials to find the actual suspect.

From BBC

She added that the family of the British man had been able to speak to him following his detainment.

From BBC

The detainment of the pair sparked protests outside the detention facility where they were being held, and led to a national outcry.

From BBC

“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