detainee

noun

de·​tain·​ee di-ˌtā-ˈnē How to pronounce detainee (audio)
ˌdē-
: a person held in custody especially for political reasons

Examples of detainee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Trump administration has faced funding and infrastructure hurdles, and even looked to hold detainees in Guantanamo Bay — a plan that has also faced legal challenges. Ivana Saric, Axios, 16 Mar. 2025 The judge indicated a willingness to revisit the issue if and when the government sends more detainees to Guantanamo. Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 However, Israel has said that this is necessary to ensure detainees are not hiding explosives. Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025 Activists have claimed that the detention center is intended to break the morale and spirits of its detainees. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detainee

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detainee was circa 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Detainee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainee. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Legal Definition

detainee

noun
de·​tain·​ee di-ˌtā-ˈnē How to pronounce detainee (audio)
: a person who is detained
especially : a person held in custody prior to trial or hearing

More from Merriam-Webster on detainee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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