Synonyms for

Detainees

Verb / dɪˌteɪˈni:z / Another word for detainees — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Detainees are people who have been arrested or held in custody, especially for political or military reasons.

Synonyms & similar words

detainee politicaldetainee prisoners captives inmates confinees internees detainees arrestees suspects criminals convicts offenders lawbreakers perpetrators culprits delinquents wrongdoers lawbreakers transgressors malefactors felons

Synonyms by register

Formal

prisoners inmates captives interns

Informal

held people people in custody those held

Literary

wards hostages

Antonyms

free liberated released unrestrained unfettered emancipated

Common collocations

  • immigrant detainees
  • political detainees
  • illegal detainees
  • detainees rights
  • detainees were held
  • detainees were released
  • detainees were transferred

Word family

noun detention
verb detain
adjective detained

Usage note

Detainees refers to people held in custody, often by authorities. It can carry a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context.

Example sentences

  1. The detainees were locked up for questioning.
  2. The prison was overcrowded with detainees.
  3. The detainee was released after the trial.
  4. The detainee was tortured for information.
  5. The government refused to release the political detainees.

Quotes

  • The measure of a society is how it treats its detainees. - J. Michael Straczynski
  • The continued use of Guantanamo Bay for detention purposes undermines our moral leadership and compromises our security. - Diane Feinstein
  • The purpose of detention is rehabilitation, not revenge. - Sheryl Sandberg

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