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Synonyms

protective custody

American  

noun

  1. detention of a person by the police solely as protection against a possible attack or reprisal by someone.


Etymology

Origin of protective custody

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The victim’s siblings — who are 16, 13 and nine months old — were taken into protective custody by the L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Now he’d be sent to the hospital, stitched up, placed in protective custody, and sent to another prison.

From Slate

The unharmed child was rescued and placed into protective custody by Arizona authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

County, claiming that because he was drunk deputies should have put him in a form of protective custody after he was denied entrance to the stadium because he didn’t have a ticket.

From Los Angeles Times

On Aug. 16, the children were found safe and taken into protective custody in Peru.

From Los Angeles Times