Detention

Quick meaning: Detention is a noun meaning (uncountable) The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.

Meaning

(uncountable) The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.

More Meanings

1. (countable) A temporary state of custody or confinement.
2. (civil law) The bare physical control without the mental element of intention required for possession.

Example Sentences

In the case of rail-borne traffic, permission is given to each sender to load and forward his traffic so that it will be available for loading into the vessel with a minimum of detention to wagons, unless arrangements have been made for the traffic to be put into store to await the arrival of the ship.

"[…] On the 18th of October, 1841, a very intense magnetic disturbance was recorded, and amongst other curious facts mentioned is that of the detention of the 10:05pm express train at Exeter for 16 minutes, as from the magnetic disturbance affecting the needles so powerfully, it was impossible to ascertain if the line was clear at Starcross. The superintendent at Exeter reported the next morning that someone was playing tricks with the instruments, and would not let them work."

Word Forms

• detentions

Synonyms for detention

Depending on context, synonyms include delay, hindrance, impediment, retardation, hold, confinement.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include confinement, custody, hold, holdup, delay, detainment.

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