Detention/dɪˈtenʃn/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Forced Confinement Refers to being confined against your will, usually in institutions like prisons. Detainees were led to their cells for indefinite detention. Pro Tip 2/3Legal Process Often implies a legal situation where freedom is restricted by authority. His lawyer argued that the detention was illegal. Pro Tip 3/3Severe Restriction Suggests a strict and possibly harsh restriction of movement or freedom. The regime's use of detention silenced dissent.