French Conversation · Level 111
59 words
French word
détenu
Pronunciation
IPA/dɛtəny/
Meaning
- masculine nounprisoner
Example
Le détenu a demandé un avocat.
The prisoner asked for a lawyer.
More examples
Les détenus demandent des visites.
The prisoners are asking for visits.
Core concept
A person kept behind the controlled boundaries of a prison or detention facility.
Common phrases
un détenu
a prisoner
libérer un détenu
release a prisoner
les détenus
the prisoners
Similar words
prisonnier: A person confined in prison and deprived of freedom.
incarcéré: A person confined in a prison or detention center.
Definition in French
Personne condamnée ou retenue qui subit une privation de liberté, en particulier comme résidant d'un établissement pénitentiaire.
Word origin
Détenu is the noun use of the past participle of détenir, from Latin detinere, meaning to hold back or keep.
Usage tips
- In French, détenu can cover pretrial detention as well as imprisonment after conviction.