custody

[ kuhs-tuh-dee ]

noun

, plural cus·to·dies.

1. keeping; guardianship; care.

   Synonyms: watch, charge, safekeeping

2. the keeping or charge of officers of the law:

   The car was held in the custody of the police.

3. imprisonment; legal restraint:

   He was taken into custody.

4. Also called child custody. Law. the right of determining the residence, protection, care, and education of a minor child or children, especially in a divorce or separation. Compare joint custody, sole custody.

custody

/ ˈkʌstədɪ; kʌˈstəʊdɪəl /

noun

1. the act of keeping safe or guarding, esp the right of guardianship of a minor
2. the state of being held by the police; arrest (esp in the phrases in custody, take into custody )

Derived Forms

• custodial, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of custody¹

1400–50; late Middle English custodye < Latin custōdia “a watching, watchman,” equivalent to custōd- (stem of custōs ) “keeper” + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of custody¹

C15: from Latin custōdia, from custōs guard, defender

Synonym Study

Custody, keeping, possession imply a guardianship or care for something. Custody denotes a strict keeping, as by a formally authorized and responsible guardian or keeper: in the custody of the sheriff. Keeping denotes having in one's care or charge, as for guarding or preservation: I left the package in my mother's keeping. Possession means holding, ownership, or mastery: Leave it in possession of its owner.

Example Sentences

Paramedics attended to them, and then they were taken into police custody.

From BBC

This is followed by a seven-week training programme, during which trainees are taught how to look after people in custody and de-escalate challenging situations.

From BBC

Filion has remained in custody since his arrest on state charges.

From Los Angeles Times

As he remanded him in custody, he addressed Mr Rudakubana directly.

From BBC

As he remanded him in custody, the judge added: "Well I know you can hear me because the officer behind you said I can be heard."

From BBC

Related Words

• arrest
• detention
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• jail