Detention: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in the context of school discipline or temporary holding. It implies a short-term period of being kept in a specific area.

• The student received detention for talking back to the teacher
• The suspect was held in detention for further questioning

Often used in a more general setting to denote being kept within a limited space. It can refer to both physical and situational restraints.

• The prisoner faced years of confinement
• Confinement within the hospital was necessary for the patient

Typically refers to legal guardianship or the state of being kept by police or authorities. It usually involves legal and procedural aspects.

• The child was placed in the custody of her grandparents
• The suspect is now in police custody

Used specifically to describe being imprisoned or jailed as a result of legal sentencing. It has a formal and serious tone.

• After the trial, he faced five years of incarceration
• Incarceration rates have increased over the last decade

Used mainly in school settings or short-term holding of individuals by police. It often implies a temporary restriction.

• After the fight, both students were given detention for a week.
• The suspect is in police detention pending further investigation.

Refers to being kept in a limited space or under restrictions. Can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

• During the quarantine, people experienced confinement in their homes.
• The patient was placed in confinement for observation.

Can be used in legal contexts, such as the state of being detained or held by the police or in describing care for children in legal guardianship.

• The suspect is in police custody and is being questioned.
• After the divorce, she was granted full custody of her children.

Used specifically to describe being imprisoned or locked up in a jail or prison. It often has a serious or formal tone.

• He was sentenced to five years of incarceration for his crimes.
• The incarceration rate in the country has significantly increased over the last decade.

This term is often used in educational settings when a student is required to stay at school after hours as a disciplining measure for misbehavior.

• After repeatedly disrupting the class, John received detention for a week.

A general term used in several settings, including legal and educational, referring to an act of imposing a penalty for an offense or wrongdoing.

• The child received punishment for lying.
• After the trial, the criminal faced severe punishment for his crimes.

This word is often used in legal, sports, and financial contexts to describe a punishment for breaking a rule, law, or contract.

• The company had to pay a penalty for breaking the contract.
• The player received a penalty for a foul in the game.

This can broadly describe the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior. It can be used in various settings including schools, workplaces, and at home.

• Good discipline is crucial in the military.
• Parents use various methods of discipline to teach their children right from wrong.