Detention is when someone has to stay after school or work because they didn't behave well.
When students misbehave in class, like talking back to the teacher or not doing their homework, they might get detention. This usually means they have to come back after school and sit in a special room for a certain amount of time as punishment. The teacher might also make them write a reflection on what they did wrong or apologize to someone if they hurt anyone's feelings. Detention is kind of like a warning that says, "Hey, you need to shape up and follow the rules!" Some workplaces also use detention-like systems for employees who don't meet expectations, but it's not as common in everyday life.
The act of detaining or the state of being detained.
