custody

noun

cus·to·dy | \ ˈkə-stə-dē

plural custodies

Definition of custody

: immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority also : safekeeping

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about custody

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Examples of custody in a Sentence

She has sole custody of her daughter. The judge granted custody to the grandparents.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the state governor has acknowledged that authorities had several of the suspects in custody earlier on other crimes - but allowed them to be released. — Washington Post, "Families begin burying the 28 victims of Mexico bar fire," 31 Aug. 2019 The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department issued a tweet late Thursday night saying Kalin Sunde was back in custody. — Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The woman involved in the I-94 standoff with police has been caught, authorities say," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'custody.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for custody

custody

noun

English Language Learners Definition of custody

law : the legal right to take care of a child (such as a child whose parents are divorced)

: the state of being kept in a prison or jail

formal : the act of protecting or taking care of something

See the full definition for custody in the English Language Learners Dictionary

custody

noun

cus·to·dy | \ ˈkə-stə-dē

Kids Definition of custody

1 : direct responsibility for care and control The boy is in the custody of his parents.

2 : the state of being arrested or held by police The suspect has been taken into custody.

custody

noun

cus·to·dy

Legal Definition of custody

: 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

custody

Definition of custody

Synonyms for custody

Examples of custody in a Sentence

First Known Use of custody

History and Etymology for custody

English Language Learners Definition of custody

Kids Definition of custody

Legal Definition of custody

custody

Definition of custody

Synonyms for custody

Examples of custody in a Sentence

First Known Use of custody

History and Etymology for custody

English Language Learners Definition of custody

Kids Definition of custody

Legal Definition of custody

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