detainer

noun

de·​tain·​er di-ˈtā-nər 

1

: the act of keeping something in one's possession

specifically : the withholding from the rightful owner of something that has lawfully come into the possession of the holder

2

: detention in custody

3

: a writ authorizing the keeper of a prison to continue to hold a person in custody

Synonyms

• detainment
• detention
• hold
• immurement
• imprisonment
• incarceration

Examples of detainer in a Sentence

keep him in detainer for at least 72 hours

she filed an action for unlawful detainer of land after nonpayment of rent

Recent Examples on the Web

This was the second time a detainer request was lodged for him in less than six months. —Bethany Blankley | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Dec. 2024

Under current New York City’s sanctuary policies, local authorities are largely prevented from honoring ICE detainer requests, with some exemptions including for those convicted of violent or serious crimes. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 3 Dec. 2024

If she were granted parole, Smith would have to meet pre-release conditions regarding employment, residence, programming and detainers. —Juliette Arcodia, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2024

The El Salvador native is being held without bond at a Tulsa County jail, accused of being a fugitive from justice, along with a hold from Maryland to face charges in Morin’s homicide and a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. —Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French detenour, alteration of detenir

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

detainer

noun

de·​tain·​er di-ˈtā-nər 

1

: the act of keeping something in one's possession

specifically : unlawful detainer

2

: detention in custody

3

: a notification sent by a prosecutor, judge, or other official advising a prison official that a prisoner is wanted to answer criminal charges and requesting continued detention of the prisoner or notification of the prisoner's impending release compare extradition

Etymology

Anglo-French detenoure, from detenir to restrain, detain, from Old French, from Latin detinere