custody

[kuhs-tuh-dee]

noun

plural

custodies 

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.

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 )

Other Word 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

I am single and share full custody of my 14-year-old daughter with her mom, and we get along fantastically.

Read more on MarketWatch

While legal custody stayed with Sovann Komar and the foster mothers received a salary and allowances, they were encouraged to treat the children as their own.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In this case, Judge Parnell heard the couple had split about 10 years ago and that the children had been at the centre of custody disputes for much of their lives.

Read more on BBC

Mr Phillips, who disappeared with his children in part due to a custody dispute, evaded capture for nearly four years, despite a nationwide search and multiple sightings.

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He was ordered to appear again for a preliminary hearing on Thursday morning and remains in custody, according to court records.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrest 
• detention 
• imprisonment 
• incarceration 
• jail