detention

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
  2. noun a punishment in which a student must stay at school after others have gone home

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French détention, from Latin detentio, detentionem. Equivalent to detain + -tion.

In classic literature

Synonyms

detainment, hold, custody

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