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Detainee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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detainee

[หŒdiหหŒteษชหˆniห ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A person held in custody, especially for political reasons.

Synonyms

captive, inmate, prisoner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
detainee

Use 'detainee' when referring to someone who is being held by the authorities for questioning or due to suspicious activities. This term often implies the person has not necessarily been convicted of a crime.

  • The detainee was held for several hours before being released without charges.
  • Authorities confirmed that the detainee was cooperating with the investigation.
prisoner

The word 'prisoner' is a general term for someone who is held in custody and has lost their freedom, usually after being convicted of a crime. It can also be used in more generic contexts, such as being a 'prisoner of war'.

  • The prisoner is serving a life sentence for the crime.
  • During the war, many soldiers were taken as prisoners.
captive

The word 'captive' is used to describe someone who is being held against their will, typically in a broader range of situations such as war, kidnapping, or hostage scenarios. This term emphasizes the lack of freedom and often doesn't specify legal status.

  • The soldiers were taken captive during the battle.
  • The organization is working to free the captives held by the rebels.
inmate

Use 'inmate' when referring to someone serving a sentence in a prison or jail. It specifically denotes confinement within a correctional facility.

  • The inmate was transferred to a maximum-security prison.
  • She works as a counselor for the inmates in the local jail.

Examples of usage

  • The detainees were kept in a maximum-security prison.
  • The detainee was awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in the protest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In many countries, a detainee may be held without charge for a limited time, allowing authorities to investigate.
  • International laws protect the rights of detainees, and mistreatment can lead to serious legal consequences for authorities.
  • Judicial oversight is critical in ensuring that the detention process is fair and does not violate human rights.

Historical Perspectives

  • The term 'detainee' gained prominence during World War II when many individuals were interned under suspicion without trial.
  • Post-9/11 security measures in several countries led to an increase in detentions as part of counterterrorism efforts.
  • Historical cases, such as Japanese American internment during WWII, highlight the impact of policy on civil liberties.

Cultural Representation

  • Films and books often portray detainees as symbols of injustice, leading to discussions about freedom and rights.
  • Some documentaries focus on the experiences of detainees, providing personal narratives that challenge societal perceptions.
  • Popular media has highlighted cases of wrongful detention, sparking public outcry and calls for reform.

Psychological Impact

  • Being detained can lead to feelings of fear, isolation, and anxiety, affecting the mental health of individuals.
  • The stress of detention may result in long-term psychological effects, including PTSD or depression, even after release.
  • Support systems and counseling are important for helping detainees reintegrate after their experience.

International Relations

  • The treatment of detainees is often a point of contention in international relations, influencing diplomatic relations.
  • Countries may face criticism from human rights organizations and other nations for their detention practices.
  • Joint efforts are ongoing globally to create standards for the humane treatment of detainees in various contexts.

Origin of 'detainee'

The word 'detainee' originated from the Middle French word 'detenir', meaning 'to detain'. The term has been used since the 15th century to refer to a person held in custody. In modern times, 'detainee' is commonly used in legal contexts, especially in reference to individuals held for political reasons or during armed conflicts.

See also: detain, detained, detainees, detainment, detention.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,378, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.