detention

/di'tenʃn/

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Sure! Let's break down the word "detention" into simple parts to help you understand it better.

Definition

"Detention" is a noun that has a few related meanings:

Usage Instructions

• When using "detention" in the context of school, you can usually say it with "serve" or "get" (like "serve detention" or "get detention").
• In the context of being held by authorities, you might say "under detention" or "in detention."

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: In legal terms, "detention" might refer to situations where someone is held by law enforcement for questioning or because they are considered a threat.
  • Example: "The suspect was taken into detention while the investigation continued."

Word Variants

• Detain (verb): To keep someone in a certain place, often against their will.
  • Example: "The police decided to detain the suspect for questioning."
• Detained (adjective): Describes someone who is being held or confined.
  • Example: "The detained individuals were questioned by authorities."

Different Meanings

• The core idea of "detention" is about holding or keeping someone, either in a school for discipline or legally by authorities.

Synonyms

• For school punishment:
  • "after-school supervision"
  • "punishment"
• For confinement:
  • "custody"
  • "holding"
  • "confinement"

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• While there aren't specific idioms directly related to "detention," the phrase "in hot water" can sometimes describe a situation where someone is in trouble, like needing to serve detention.
• Phrasal Verb: "Hold in custody" can be used similarly to describe someone being detained by police.

Summary

In summary, "detention" can refer to a school punishment where students must stay after school or to being held by authorities.

Academic

Noun

1. a punishment in which a student must stay at school after others have gone home
   • the detention of tardy pupils
2. a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
   • his detention was politically motivated
   • the prisoner is on hold
   • he is in the custody of police

Synonyms

• detainment
• hold
• custody