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

They have sought to ensure Brückner remains in preventive detention when his jail term ends next year.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2024

Two other settlers were placed in preventive detention without charge, it said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 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

We have already preventive detention for older persons, who, having been four times convicted of serious crime, are proved to be "habitual criminals."

From London's Underworld by Holmes, Thomas