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

But Monguia instead ordered that the woman be taken into custody, prompting Gallen to object as there was no one to take the woman’s child.

From Los Angeles Times

A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.

From BBC

But the remaining three are still in ICE custody, with US authorities refusing to release them under the new rules, Ms Goodwin says.

From BBC

A sentencing hearing for Sangha, who is being held in federal custody, has been set for 10 December in Los Angeles.

From BBC

He said he was taken into custody for questioning and later escorted to hospital after a health check revealed he was suffering from high blood pressure levels.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrest 
• detention 
• imprisonment 
• incarceration 
• jail