NYT Dictionary

DETENTION

/dɪˈtɛnʃn̩/
Nounde-TEN-tionde-ten-tion · 3 syllablesGrade 5

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2025

Meaning

The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Borrowed from Middle French détention, from Latin detentio, detentionem. Equivalent to detain + -tion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

delayhindranceimpedimentretardationDTjugdetainmentholdcustodyafterthought

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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