Custody

/ˈkʌs.tə.di/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The protective care or guardianship of someone or something.

The child was placed in the custody of his grandparents after the court's decision.

The state of being detained or held in confinement.

After the arrest, the suspect was taken into custody by the police.

Control or charge of something.

The museum is under the custody of the national heritage committee.

Legal right to keep and care for a child.

After a lengthy battle, she finally gained custody of her children.

Late Middle English custodie, from Old French custodie, from Latin custodia 'guard, protection'.

in custody

In the state of being detained by authorities.

legal custody

The right established by a court for the care and control of a child.

temporary custody

Custody granted to a person for a limited time period.

guardian

A person who protects or takes care of another, especially a child.

supervision

The act of overseeing or directing someone's activities.

detention

The act of keeping someone in custody or confinement.

Locked up

He was locked up for the night after the arrest.

Behind bars

She's been behind bars since the incident.