custody

noun

cus·​to·​dy ˈkə-stə-dē How to pronounce custody (audio)
plural custodies
Synonyms of custodynext
: immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority
also : safekeeping

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of custody in a Sentence

She has sole custody of her daughter. The judge granted custody to the grandparents. The bank provides safe custody for valuables.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hashtag is circulating in Iran after the 25-year-old woman disappeared in Tehran after being taken into custody by police, raising concerns about her treatment as the country continues to crack down on women who defy mandatory hijab laws. —Hannah Peart, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 According to an arrest affidavit cited by WFAA, Williams was taken into custody at a hotel lobby after a witness reportedly spotted her. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Francis served four years and three months in custody before he was released on bond and ordered into house arrest. —Elias Lopez, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 Martin was taken into custody on suspicion of kidnapping and will be extradited to Arizona to face his charges, Avondale police spokesperson Jaret Redfearn said. —Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for custody 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English custodie, from Latin custodia guarding, from custod-, custos guardian

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of custody was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing custody

Dictionary Entries Near custody

custodier

custody

custody battle

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/custody. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

custody

noun
cus·​to·​dy ˈkəs-təd-ē How to pronounce custody (audio)
1
: direct responsibility for care and control
2
: the state of being arrested or held by the police

Legal Definition

custody

noun
cus·​to·​dy
: care or control exercised by a person or authority over something or someone: as
a
: supervision and control over property that usually includes liability for damage that may occur
b
: care and maintenance of a child that includes the right to direct the child's activities and make decisions regarding the child's upbringing compare visitation
— joint custody
: custody of a child shared by divorced or separated parents who alternate physical custody of and share in decisions regarding the child

called also shared custody

— physical custody
: custody that includes sharing a residence with a child
— shared custody
: joint custody in this entry
— sole custody
: custody of a child awarded to only one person and usually to a parent
— temporary custody
: custody awarded until a final judgment in a matter (as a divorce) is made
c
: official restraint on freedom (as by arrest or imprisonment or by release on bail, personal recognizance, probation, or parole) compare arrest
— constructive custody
: custody of a person (as a parolee) who is not under immediate physical control but whose freedom is controlled or restrained by legal authority
— penal custody
: custody of a person (as in a correctional institution) as a form of punishment
— physical custody
: custody of a person (as an arrestee) whose freedom is under the actual and immediate control of an official
— preventive custody
: custody of a person (as a criminal defendant awaiting trial) for the purpose of preventing further possible dangerous or criminal behavior
— protective custody
: physical custody of a person for his or her own safety
Etymology

Latin custodia, from custod-, custos guardian

More from Merriam-Webster on custody

Nglish: Translation of custody for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of custody for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about custody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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