Detenue

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

English (US): /ˈdɛt.ə.nuː/

English (UK): /ˈdeɪt.ə.njuː/

French: /de.tə.ny/

Definitions

• A female detainee, particularly one held under preventive detention laws or in custody without trial.
• A woman classified as a political prisoner or held for security reasons.

Usage Examples

• The detenue was held in solitary confinement due to security concerns.
• Several detenues were released after a review of the emergency laws.

Etymology

Borrowed from French détenue, the feminine form of détenu, from Latin detinere ("to hold back, detain"). Historically used in legal contexts, particularly in colonial-era legal frameworks.

Synonyms

• Female detainee
• Prisoner
• Internee
• Political captive

Antonyms

• Free woman
• Released individual
• Exonerated person

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "detenue" is rarely used in modern English, with "female detainee" being more common. However, in legal contexts, it retains its French pronunciation influences, especially in British and Commonwealth legal systems.

Historical Usage

The term "detenue" was historically used in British colonial legal systems, particularly in India and other former colonies, to refer to female prisoners held under preventive detention laws.

Cultural Nuances

In some regions, "detenue" is used in legal and human rights discussions, particularly regarding the detention of women under controversial laws. It often carries connotations of unjust imprisonment or political suppression.

More Information

The use of "detenue" has declined in modern legal and media discourse, but it remains relevant in legal documents and human rights reports concerning female prisoners or politically detained women.

Human rights organizations frequently highlight the conditions of detenues in conflict zones and authoritarian regimes, advocating for fair trials and humane treatment.