detainer
noun
de·tain·er
di-ˈtā-nər 
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
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
An unlawful detainer starts the formal court process for an eviction, which can end up on a person’s record and be viewed by potential landlords.
—
Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024
In this case, however, ICE's statement says Ibarra was released before a detainer could be issued.
—Brooke Singman, Fox News, 29 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detainer 
Theresa Clift, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024
In this case, however, ICE's statement says Ibarra was released before a detainer could be issued.
—Brooke Singman, Fox News, 29 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detainer
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'detainer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near detainer
Cite this Entry
“Detainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detainer. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
detainer
noun
de·tain·er
di-ˈtā-nər
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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