Detainees: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word for people held in custody temporarily, often for questioning or during an investigation, without a formal charge.

• The police held the suspects as detainees while they investigated the crime scene.
• The detainees were taken to a holding facility pending further investigation.

Use this word broadly for anyone who is held in prison or under arrest, usually after being convicted of a crime, though it can also apply to those detained during conflicts.

• The prisoners were escorted back to their cells after the trial.
• During the war, many soldiers were captured and became prisoners of war.

Use this word to describe people who have been taken prisoner, often in the context of war, kidnapping, or captivity by a group or individual.

• The soldiers were held as captives by the enemy forces.
• The kidnapped tourists were found and freed after being captives for a month.

Use this word to refer to individuals who are confined in a prison or jail, often serving a sentence for a crime.

• The inmates were allowed one hour of recreational time each day.
• She has been an inmate at the county jail for six months.

This term is generally used in various contexts to refer to individuals held in custody by authorities. It can apply to those held by police, at airports, or in other institutions, regardless of their citizenship status.

• The detainees were held in the local police station for questioning.
• Human rights organizations are advocating for better conditions for detainees.

This specific term also refers to immigrants held in custody but is more formal and often used in legal, bureaucratic, or academic contexts. It is particularly suitable for discussing policies, regulations, or statistical data regarding individuals held due to immigration issues.

• The report highlighted the living conditions of immigration detainees in various detention centers.
• The law firm specializes in cases involving immigration detainees.

This phrase specifically refers to immigrants who have been held in custody due to their immigration status or for violating immigration laws. It emphasizes the context of immigration-related offenses or administrative procedures.

• The detained immigrants were waiting for their hearings on asylum applications.
• Several nonprofit groups are working to provide legal assistance to detained immigrants.