in loco parentis

American  

[in loh-koh pah-ren-tees, in loh-koh puh-ren-tis] / ɪn ˈloʊ koʊ pɑˈrɛn tis, ɪn ˈloʊ koʊ pəˈrɛn tɪs /

adverb

Latin.

1. in the place or role of a parent.

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in loco parentis British  

/ ɪn ˈləʊkəʊ pəˈrɛntɪs /

1. in place of a parent: said of a person acting in a parental capacity

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in loco parentis Cultural  

1. To assume the duties and responsibilities of a parent: “Because Jack's parents were out of town, his sister acted in loco parentis and punished him for staying out so late.” From Latin, meaning “in the place of a parent.”

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Discover More

At one time, colleges and universities acted in loco parentis for their students, but this is no longer true.

Example Sentences

Coaches often serve in loco parentis, guiding a developing prospect not only through training and tournaments but also the awkward riddles of growing up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

He was also asked about his understanding of the term "in loco parentis", namely having responsibilities for children in the absence of their parents or guardians.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2024

So, parents, too, would be pupils of the state government acting in loco parentis.

From Washington Post • Oct. 21, 2022

IHEs act in loco parentis and thus have a duty to care for the safety and security of students on campus.

From Scientific American • Aug. 5, 2021

“She’s a judge, and she’d just start babbling about in loco parentis like Mr. Poe.”

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket