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Detainees: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”’
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detainees

 

[dษชหŒteษชหˆniหz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

prisoners of war

Detainees are individuals who are held in custody, typically in a prison or detention center. They may include prisoners of war, political prisoners, or individuals awaiting trial.

Synonyms

captives, inmates, prisoners.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
detainees

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.
prisoners

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.
captives

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.
inmates

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.

Examples of usage

  • International law requires humane treatment of detainees.
  • The Red Cross visited the detainees to check on their well-being.
Context #2 | Noun

immigration

Detainees in the context of immigration are individuals who are held by government authorities due to issues related to their immigration status. They may be awaiting deportation or a decision on their immigration case.

Synonyms

detained immigrants, immigration detainees.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
detainees

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.
immigration 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.
detained immigrants

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.

Examples of usage

  • The detainees were held in a detention facility while their asylum applications were processed.
  • Immigration officials interviewed the detainees to determine their eligibility for release.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'detainee' became more widely used during the 20th century, particularly in legal and military contexts.
  • Historically, the concept of detaining individuals has been part of law enforcement since ancient civilizations, often used during times of war or civil unrest.
  • The use of the word has evolved, expanding from military confinement to include a variety of contexts, such as immigration and criminal justice.

Legal Context

  • Detainees are often held without formal charges, which raises questions about legal rights and due process.
  • In many countries, laws outline specific conditions and time limits for detaining individuals, aimed at protecting their rights.
  • The conditions of detainees can vary widely, with some being held in facilities designed for long-term confinement, while others are in temporary holding areas.

Global Perspectives

  • The treatment of detainees is influenced by cultural and political views on justice and punishment, often varying significantly from one country to another.
  • In recent years, international human rights organizations have raised concerns about the conditions and treatment of detainees in various parts of the world.
  • Some nations have been criticized for indefinite detention practices, which can lead to global debates about human rights and justice.

Psychological Impact

  • Being detained can lead to emotional stress and trauma, affecting the mental health of individuals.
  • Research shows that the uncertainty of detention can contribute to anxiety and depression among detainees.
  • Support systems and rehabilitation programs are important for helping former detainees reintegrate into society.

Media and Literature

  • Detainees are often depicted in films and books, highlighting themes of justice, freedom, and human rights.
  • Notable works, such as 'The Guantanamo Diary,' illustrate the personal experiences of detainees and raise awareness about the conditions they face.
  • Media portrayals can shape public perception, often depicting detainees as either victims or threats, depending on the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "detainees" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น detidos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเค‚เคฆเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Gefangene

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tahanan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐั‚ั€ะธะผะฐะฝั–

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zatrzymani

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‹˜็•™่€…

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉtenus

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ detenidos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tutuklular

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตฌ๊ธˆ์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ู…ุญุชุฌุฒูˆู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zadrลพenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zadrลพanรญ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ขซๆ‹˜็•™่€…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pridrลพani

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ handteknir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะผะฐัƒา“ะฐ ะฐะปั‹ะฝา“ะฐะฝะดะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒ™แƒแƒ•แƒ”แƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hษ™bs olunanlar

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ detenidos

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,499, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.