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detention

noun C1 Formal

Meaning

Detention refers to the act of holding someone in a confined space, typically as a punitive or corrective measure, often employed within educational or legal contexts to restrict an individual's freedom temporarily due to misconduct or violation of rules.
💡 While "detention" is commonly associated with educational settings, its use in legal contexts can imply significant ethical considerations, especially regarding the rights of individuals and the justification for their confinement.

Example Sentences

The employee faced detention for repeatedly missing important meetings .
The student received detention for repeatedly arriving late to class .
The student received detention for repeatedly violating the school rules .
The student received detention for repeatedly violating the school's code .

Word in Context

After the lesson ended , Maria was informed she would have to serve an hour of detention for repeatedly arriving late to class . She accepted the decision calmly , recognising that punctuality affects the whole group's progress and that her lateness had created avoidable disruptions . During detention she reviewed her timetable with the supervisor and outlined a practical plan to catch up on missed work , which made the situation feel less punitive and more constructive . The teacher emphasised that this consequence was intended to help her develop better study habits rather than to punish her personally . By the end of the week Maria had adjusted her routine , arrived on time , and felt more confident about managing her responsibilities without further intervention .

Common Phrases

administrative detention preventive detention detention centers

Synonyms

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