Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
detinue
noun
/ˈdetɪnjuː/
Definition
A legal term referring to the wrongful retention of someone else’s property.
Examples
- The car rental company filed a detinue action against the customer for failing to return the vehicle.
- In cases of detinue, the owner seeks recovery of the property unlawfully held by another party.
- The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff, concluding that detinue had occurred when the defendant refused to return the borrowed equipment.
Meaning
Detinue involves holding onto an item that legally belongs to someone else, thereby preventing the owner from accessing or using it.
Synonyms
- Conversion
- Retainer
- Possession
