detention
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (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: detainmentholdcustody
- a punishment in which a student must stay at school after others have gone home“the detention of tardy pupils”
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Detention \De*ten"tion\, n. [L. detentio: cf. F. d['e]tention. See Detain.]
1.The act of detaining or keeping back; a withholding. [1913 Webster]
2.The state of being detained (stopped or hindered); delay from necessity. [1913 Webster]
3.Confinement; restraint; custody. [1913 Webster]
The archduke Philip . . . found himself in a sort of honorable detention at Henry's court.— Hallam.[1913 Webster]