custody
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the legal right or duty to care for a child, especially after parents separate.
the legal right to make decisions for and provide physical care for a minor, typically determined by a court during divorce proceedings.
Simple“The parents agreed to share custody of their children after the divorce.”
In context“The judge awarded sole legal custody to the mother, citing her established history as the primary caregiver and the father's frequent international travel.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'joint custody' or 'sole custody'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the state of being kept in prison or by the police, usually while waiting for a trial.
the state of being held under the control of law enforcement or a judicial authority, particularly while awaiting trial or sentencing.
Simple“The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the robbery.”
In context“The defendant will remain in police custody until his bail hearing on Monday morning, as the prosecutor argued he posed a significant flight risk.”
UsageCommonly used with the verbs 'take into' or 'remain in'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the act of looking after someone else's property or money for a short time.
the protective care or guardianship of assets, documents, or physical property belonging to another party.
Simple“The bank has custody of the original documents for the house.”
In context“The museum was granted temporary custody of the private collection, provided they maintained strict climate controls and 24-hour security.”
UsageOften appears in the phrase 'in the custody of'.
Synonyms
“No suspects have been named, nor has anyone been taken into custody with regards to Wells’ disappearance and death.”
“Since she was taken into custody, Macara said Gartshore has spent approximately 23 hours a day in her cell, which he said is to ensure her own safety and protection.”
Borrowed from Latin custōdia (“a keeping, watch, guard, prison”), from custōs (“a keeper, watchman, guard”). Doublet of custode.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.