detainer

noun

de·​tain·​er di-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce detainer (audio)
Synonyms of detainernext
1
: the act of keeping something in one's possession
specifically : the withholding from the rightful owner of something that has lawfully come into the possession of the holder
2
: detention in custody
3
: a writ authorizing the keeper of a prison to continue to hold a person in custody

Synonyms of detainer

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Examples of detainer in a Sentence

keep him in detainer for at least 72 hours she filed an action for unlawful detainer of land after nonpayment of rent
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clifford said the program will streamline placing detainers on people already in custody at the jail. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 26 May 2026 He was later released on bond and turned over to ICE in Hartford on a detainer. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 The Department of Homeland Security has lodged an immigration detainer against him. — Elaine Mallon , James Cirrone , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 This indicates that in more than half of the cases, individuals encountered by local police were subsequently subject to federal immigration holds or detainer requests following an arrest or stop. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detainer

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French detenour, alteration of detenir

First Known Use

1619, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detainer was in 1619

Rhymes for detainer

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Browse Nearby Words

detainee
detainer
detainingly
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Cite this Entry

“Detainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainer. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

detainer

noun
de·​tain·​er di-ˈtā-nər How to pronounce detainer (audio)
1
: the act of keeping something in one's possession
specifically : unlawful detainer
2
: detention in custody
3
: a notification sent by a prosecutor, judge, or other official advising a prison official that a prisoner is wanted to answer criminal charges and requesting continued detention of the prisoner or notification of the prisoner's impending release compare extradition
Etymology

Anglo-French detenoure, from detenir to restrain, detain, from Old French, from Latin detinere

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