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 police custody for further questioning. [custody: noun]
Example
The patient was placed in the custody of the hospital for observation. [custody: noun]
imprisonment
Example
The judge sentenced the criminal to life imprisonment. [imprisonment: noun]
Example
He was imprisoned for stealing from the store. [imprisoned: verb]
Example
The government imposed imprisonment on political dissidents. [imprisonment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Custody is more commonly used in family law and child custody cases, while imprisonment is more commonly used in criminal law and sentencing. Both words are formal and legalistic in tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between custody and imprisonment?
Custody and imprisonment are both formal and legalistic terms used in the justice system. However, imprisonment is typically associated with a more serious and severe tone, while custody can be used in a variety of contexts and tones depending on the situation.
