Dictionary.com

preventive detention

[ pri-ven-tiv di-ten-shuhn ]
/ prɪˈvɛn tɪv dɪˈtɛn ʃən /
Save This Word!
noun
the holding of someone in jail or in an institution because they are regarded as a danger to the community.
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of preventive detention

First recorded in 1905–10

Words nearby preventive detention

prevent, prevent defense, preventer, prevention, preventive, preventive detention, preventive law, preventive medicine, preventive war, preverb, preverbal
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use preventive detention in a sentence

  • Why not use preventive detention on the Crips and the Bloods?

    Obama's Hypocrisy on Murder|Paul Campos|May 26, 2009|DAILY BEAST

  • Identification cards of prisoners or persons held in preventive detention are withheld from them.

    Area Handbook for Romania|Eugene K. Keefe, Donald W. Bernier, Lyle E. Brenneman, William Giloane, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole

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

    Area Handbook for Romania|Eugene K. Keefe, Donald W. Bernier, Lyle E. Brenneman, William Giloane, James M. Moore, and Neda A. Walpole
FEEDBACK