Definitions

1. noun

The act of confining someone, typically a student, in a room or area as punishment.

“The student was given detention for not completing his homework.”

2. noun

The state of being confined or delayed, typically because of an accident or a breakdown.

“The flight was put into detention due to bad weather.”

3. noun

A period of time spent in a place of confinement, typically as a form of punishment.

“The prisoner was given a three-month detention in prison.”

4. verb

To confine or delay someone, typically as a form of punishment.

“The teacher detained the student after class for not completing his homework.”