détenu

Détenu is a French term that functions as both a noun and a past participle used as an adjective. As a noun, détenu designates a person held in custody by authorities, typically pending trial or conviction, or under administrative detention. The feminine form is détenue, and the plural is détenus (masculine) or détenues (feminine). As an adjective, détenu describes something that is held or kept, as in “document détenu par les autorités” or “personne détenue.” The term is distinct from prisonnier, which commonly refers to someone who is a prisoner, though in practice contexts can overlap.

In legal and political contexts, a détenu may be in pre-trial detention (détention préventive), serving a sentence after conviction, or held in immigration detention or other forms of custody. The status of déténus is governed by national law and influenced by international human rights standards, which emphasize humane treatment, access to legal counsel, and the right to challenge detention. The term does not imply guilt or criminal conviction by itself.

Etymology: from détenir, to hold or detain, from a Latin origin; cognate with English detain, Spanish detenido, and Italian detenuto.