What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
custody
Example
The mother was granted custody of her children after the divorce. [custody: noun]
Example
The suspect was taken into custody by the police. [custody: noun]
detention
Example
The student was given detention for being late to class. [detention: noun]
Example
The asylum seekers were held in detention at the border. [detention: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Custody is more commonly used than detention in everyday language, especially in legal and family contexts. Detention is more commonly used in educational and law enforcement contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between custody and detention?
Custody is typically used in formal contexts, such as legal proceedings, while detention can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as school discipline or border control.
