detention crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Searching for solutions to the "detention crossword clue"? You've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle.
Solutions for "detention crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TIME: Often used in the context of school punishment, as in "serving time in detention."
6 Letters
ARREST: To seize someone by legal authority and take them into custody; a form of legal detention.
7 Letters
CUSTODY: The state of being held by the police or in prison; a common legal term for detention.
HOLDING: The act of keeping someone in a place, implying temporary confinement or detention.
KEEPING: The state of being kept or held, often in a context of being restrained or confined.
11 Letters
CONFINEMENT: The state of being imprisoned or restricted to a certain area; a broad term for detention.
More About "detention crossword clue"
"Detention" is a versatile crossword clue that can point to various forms of holding or restriction. Its meaning can range from a legal context, such as being held by authorities, to an educational setting, like a student being kept after school. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer in your puzzle.
Crossword setters love clues like "detention" because they allow for multiple interpretations and answer lengths. For instance, a clue might lean towards the legal aspect, requiring answers like CUSTODY or ARREST, while another might refer to a disciplinary action, suggesting TIME. Always consider the surrounding letters and any other clues in the puzzle that might provide context.
Thinking about synonyms for "restraint," "imprisonment," or "holding back" can also lead you to the right answer. The challenge and fun of such clues lie in identifying the specific angle the setter intends, making it a rewarding experience when you finally crack it.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your biggest hint. If the clue is "detention," and you have 7 spaces, CUSTODY is a strong candidate. If it's 4, TIME is likely.
- Check Intersecting Letters: The letters you've already filled in from crossing words are invaluable. They often narrow down the possibilities significantly, helping you choose between similar-length answers.
- Consider the Puzzle's Theme: Some crosswords have a theme that might influence the meaning of a word. If other clues are legal terms, then a legal interpretation of "detention" is more probable.
- Think of Homonyms/Phrases: While "detention" is a direct word, sometimes clues can play on phrases or related concepts. Always keep an open mind for less obvious connections.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'detention' typically mean in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'detention' can refer to various forms of holding or confinement. Common answers often relate to legal custody (like CUSTODY or ARREST), a period of punishment (like TIME in a school context), or generally holding something back (like RESTRAINT or HOLDING).
How can I find the right 'detention' answer if I have few letters?
If you have only a few letters, consider short, common words like 'TIME' (for school detention) or 'HOLD' (as in 'to hold' someone). Also, think about common synonyms for confinement that fit the available length, and consider the context of the puzzle.
Are there different types of 'detention' relevant to crosswords?
Yes, 'detention' in crosswords can imply legal detention (CUSTODY, ARREST), school detention (TIME), or even the act of holding back or restricting something (RESTRAINT, IMPRISONMENT). The specific clue or intersecting letters usually guide you to the correct context.