What does internee mean?
An internee is someone held in confinement by authorities, especially during wartime or political conflict. The term commonly refers to prisoners of war, enemy nationals detained by a government, and political detainees. Unlike the general word prisoner, internee highlights the circumstances or legal basis of the confinement, particularly when the person has been detained rather than convicted of an ordinary criminal offense. It also differs from intern, which now usually means a trainee or someone gaining professional experience. In English, the word became especially prominent during the First World War and later conflicts involving mass detention. Although the broader language increasingly prefers detainee in many legal and human-rights discussions, internee remains useful in historical and diplomatic accounts because it clearly identifies a person confined as part of a wartime or state-security policy.
nounA person who is detained or confined, especially as a prisoner of war or a political detainee.
- A person held in custody, especially as a prisoner of war, enemy alien, or political detainee.
"The camp housed thousands of internees during the conflict."
"Diplomats negotiated for the release of the detained internees."
"The memoir describes the harsh conditions endured by internees in the camp."
The plural is formed by adding -s; the final -e is retained.
"The authorities allowed representatives to meet with the internees."
The word intern was once a military term before the First World War turned detention camps into a global political issue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does internee come from?
The word entered English in the early 20th century from French interné, meaning “detained” or “interned,” the past participle of interner. The French verb derives from Latin internare, meaning to place away or detain, related to Latin internus, “internal” or “inward,” and ultimately to inter, “between” or “among.” Its English use became especially prominent during the First World War, when governments detained enemy nationals and other civilians.
Related word forms
How internee is actually used
The term is primarily used in legal, historical, and political contexts. It often emphasizes detention imposed by a state or military authority rather than ordinary imprisonment following a criminal conviction.
Easily confused with internee
An intern is a person placed in a workplace or training program, whereas an internee is a person held in confinement by authorities.