preventive detention

American  

[pri-ven-tiv di-ten-shuhn] / prɪˈvɛn tɪv dɪˈtɛn ʃən /

noun

1. the holding of someone in jail or in an institution because they are regarded as a danger to the community.

2. English Law. imprisonment of habitual criminals for periods ranging from 5 to 14 years during which they are given corrective training or placed under psychiatric and medical care.

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Etymology

Origin of preventive detention

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

India on Saturday ended the preventive detention of prominent Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk, freeing him six months after he was held over protests in the Himalayan region.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

On Wednesday, chief prosecutor Ute Lindemann described Brückner as a "dangerous, psychopathic sadist" and said he should be placed in preventive detention after serving his sentence.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2024

“We are moving quickly to implement a preventive detention regime,” O’Neil told Parliament.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2023

Mr. Shah and Mr. Gul were charged under the Public Safety Act, which can allow the authorities to keep suspects in jail for up to two years under so-called preventive detention.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2023

They also see to it that the criminal is held in preventive detention, if necessary, before trial.

From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.