protective custody

noun

: a safe place under police watch
The witness is in protective custody.

Examples of protective custody in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Records show Albemarle County animal control seized Beebe’s dog the following day and placed it in protective custody. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 When an agreement was reached, the undercover officer arrested Johnston and took the teen into protective custody. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 Gilson’s son was taken into protective custody and later released to a parent who wasn’t involved in the incident, authorities said. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 26 July 2026 The children were evaluated by emergency responders and taken into protective custody, per KSAL. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for protective custody

Browse Nearby Words

protective cover
protective custody
protective deck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protective custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protective%20custody. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

protective custody

see also:
custody sense c
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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