Detainee Meaning in English
word
Definition
A detainee is a person who is kept in custody by authorities, often because they are suspected of a crime or for security reasons.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in legal, official, and news contexts; less common in everyday casual speech. Different from 'prisoner': a 'detainee' might not have been convicted of a crime yet, whereas a 'prisoner' usually has. Often appears as 'political detainee' or 'detainee camp'.
Example Sentences
The detainee was questioned by the police.
basic
Each detainee has the right to a lawyer.
basic
The camp holds more than 100 detainees.
basic
Lawyers are fighting to improve conditions for detainees in the facility.
natural
Many detainees have not been charged with a crime yet.
natural
Reports show that some detainees are being held for political reasons.
natural