custody

noun

cus·​to·​dy ˈkə-stə-dē 

plural custodies

: immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority

also : safekeeping

Synonyms

• care
• custodianship
• guardianship
• keeping
• safekeeping
• trust
• ward

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

Texts released in a child custody case in New York revealed that Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, is deeply worried about an attempt on his life and described himself as the second-most-likely assassination target after the president. —Sean O'Driscoll, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

His death marks the second fatality in Department of Correction custody this year. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025

Immigrants also can end up in detention after being arrested on criminal charges and released into ICE custody. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025

Bland, Luckey and Tucker have been in federal custody since last year, and there is a May 6 trial date scheduled in this case, officials said. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing custody

• custody battle
• joint custody
• protective custody

Kids Definition

custody

noun

cus·​to·​dy ˈkəs-təd-ē 

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