the protective care or guardianship of someone or something, imprisonment; confinement

have custody of, in safe custody, lose custody of

child custody, in custody, take into custody

Formal and Informal Expressions of custody

In different contexts, you can replace 'custody' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'guardianship, supervision' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'care, keeping' is a commonplace synonym.

custody: Explore its Definition & Usage

custody Definition

1the protective care or guardianship of someone or something
2imprisonment; confinement

Using custody: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "custody" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The mother was awarded custody of her children after the divorce.
Example
The suspect is currently in police custody.
Example
The museum has custody of the valuable artifacts.
Example
The bank has custody of the client's assets.

custody Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for custody

Antonyms for custody

Idioms Using custody

have custody of
to have responsibility for taking care of or protecting something
Example
The bank has custody of the client's assets.
in safe custody
in a safe place where it is protected and looked after
Example
The valuable documents are kept in safe custody at the bank.
lose custody of
to no longer have the legal right to make decisions about a child's upbringing and to have physical care and control of the child
Example
The father lost custody of his children due to neglect.

Phrases with custody

child custody
the legal right to make decisions about a child's upbringing and to have physical care and control of the child
Example
The court granted joint custody to both parents.
in custody
under arrest or detention by the police or other authorities
Example
The suspect is currently in custody awaiting trial.
take into custody
to arrest or detain someone
Example
The police took the suspect into custody for questioning.

Origins of custody

from Latin 'custodia', meaning 'guardianship'

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Summary: custody in Brief

The term 'custody' [ˈkʌstədi] refers to protective care or guardianship of someone or something, as well as imprisonment or confinement. It can refer to child custody, as in 'The court granted joint custody to both parents,' or being in custody, as in 'The suspect is currently in police custody.' Idioms like 'have custody of' and 'in safe custody' denote responsibility and protection, while 'lose custody of' implies loss of legal rights.