detainee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detainee" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who is held in custody, especially in a legal or military context. Example: "The government has announced new regulations regarding the treatment of detainees in detention facilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The detainee said she thought the couple had children back home in India.

The Guardian

The noise is designed to make the detainee believe they are injured.

The Guardian

It is not clear which detainee this references.

The Guardian

Another "conditioning" technique involved feeding a detainee "a bland, commercial liquid meal" instead of normal food.

The Guardian

Two inquest verdicts have found that neglect contributed to detainees' deaths and one inquest returned a verdict of unlawful killing of a detainee.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was not spared: the guard kept hitting me on my head and squeezing my neck against the rear end of the other detainee.

The Guardian

But I don't blame him as much as I do that poor and painful detainee, who was crying and kept moving, and so kept raising my head.

The Guardian

So was stripping a detainee naked, which a 2005 memo from the Justice Department to the CIA said carried the benefit of "reward[ing] detainees instantly with clothing for cooperation".

The Guardian

Zuley's tactics, which would be supercharged at Guantánamo when he took over the interrogation of a high-profile detainee as a US Navy reserve lieutenant, included: Shackling suspects to police-precinct walls through eyebolts for hours on end.

The Guardian

An investigation has been launched into the death on Monday of a detainee at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre.

The Guardian

"There has been an increase in self-harm, particularly on Christmas Island where the detainee cohort is most heavily impacted by new policies," the report warns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "detainee". If the individual has been formally charged and convicted, terms like "prisoner" or "inmate" might be more accurate.

Common error

Do not use terms like "criminal" or "guilty party" when referring to a "detainee", as this assumes guilt before due process. Stick to neutral terms until a verdict has been reached.

Linguistic Context

The word "detainee" functions primarily as a noun. It identifies an individual who is being held in custody or confinement, often in a legal or military context. Ludwig AI confirms that this term is widely used to refer to individuals held by authorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "detainee" is a noun used to describe someone held in custody, typically without a conviction. Ludwig AI analysis and real-world examples indicate it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. It is crucial to use this term neutrally, avoiding implications of guilt. When you need to describe an individual held in custody, "detainee" offers a balanced and objective option. Alternatives like ""person in custody"" or ""inmate"" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person in custody

Focuses on the state of being held by authorities.

individual in detention

Highlights the act of being detained, emphasizing the process.

confined person

Emphasizes the restriction of movement and physical space.

internee

Specifically refers to someone confined during wartime or civil unrest.

prisoner of war

Applies to soldiers captured during military conflict.

person held against their will

Highlights the lack of consent in the confinement.

inmate

General term for someone held in a correctional facility.

captive

Emphasizes the state of being controlled by another party.

arrestee

Specifically refers to someone who has been arrested but not yet convicted.

person being held

A more general and less formal way to describe someone in custody.

FAQs

How is "detainee" used in a sentence?

The word "detainee" is used to describe someone who is being held in custody. For example: "The rights of the "detainee" must be protected."

What's a synonym for "detainee"?

Synonyms for "detainee" include "person in custody", "internee", or "inmate", depending on the specific context of the detention.

Is it appropriate to refer to someone as a "detainee"?

Yes, "detainee" is appropriate when referring to someone who is held in custody but has not necessarily been convicted of a crime. It's a more neutral term than "prisoner" in many situations.

What are the legal rights of a "detainee"?

The legal rights of a "detainee" vary depending on the jurisdiction and the reason for detention, but they typically include the right to legal counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to due process.