detenzione

detention

noun deh-ten-TSYOH-neh Rare

Origin: Latin detentio, from detinere (to hold back)

Also means

custody

Usage Note

Detenzione covers both the act of holding someone under arrest (detenzione cautelare, pre-trial custody) and the unlawful possession of an object (detenzione di armi, illegal possession of weapons). Do not confuse with prigione (prison) or arresto (arrest), which describe distinct stages or places.

Examples

"La detenzione preventiva non può durare troppo."

Natural Translation

Pre-trial detention cannot last too long.

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