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 of custody

• care
• guardianship
• custodianship
• control
• safekeeping

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

When several of the women refused to surrender the children to Xuan and Zhang after abuse allegations surfaced last year, Majerus said, the couple’s attorney discouraged them from fighting for custody. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

She was taken into custody at the scene, given medical attention and taken to a local hospital for treatment. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

The suspect was identified as Blair, who was taken into custody and later transported to a hospital for evaluation. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Davis was arrested in September 2023 and has remained in custody. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026

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