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

A couple in their late 70s gunned down their son-in-law in a California city park over the weekend, authorities said, and court documents showed the victim had been in a bitter custody dispute with their daughter. — Terry Chea, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

Royal Oak police and the Troy Police Special Investigations Unit located two suspects and took them into custody. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Days later, his mother, Teresita Lavandeira, filed for temporary custody of Mario, 13; Mia, 11; and Mayte, 8. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

The officers stopped the vehicle, identified Smith and took him into custody. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 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