Definition

Noun: A secure room or enclosure within a law enforcement facility, such as a police station or jail, used for the temporary confinement of individuals who are under arrest, awaiting legal proceedings, or being held for administrative reasons. It is typically a holding area for groups of detainees.

Usage

A "detention cell" is used to describe the physical space where detainees are held for short periods. It is a formal term common in legal, law enforcement, and administrative contexts.

Examples

• The suspect was placed in a detention cell at the police station while awaiting questioning.
• The immigration facility had several detention cells for holding individuals pending review of their status.
• After the arrest, they were all taken to a shared detention cell.

Advanced Usage

• "to be held in a detention cell": This phrase describes the state of being confined in such a facility.
  • The protesters were held in a detention cell overnight.

Variants and Related Words

• Detention center (n): A larger facility for holding detainees, often for longer periods or specific groups (e.g., immigration detention center).
• Holding cell (n): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "detention cell."
• Lockup (n): A more informal term for a jail or detention cell.

Synonyms

• Holding cell
• Jail cell
• Lockup

Antonyms

• Freedom
• Liberty
• Release

Related Phrases

• Placed in detention: The act of being confined in a detention facility.
  • The individual was placed in detention pending a hearing.

Noun

1. a large cell where prisoners (people awaiting trial or sentence or refugees or illegal immigrants) are confined together temporarily