WordLens

custody

1 of 1noun
/ˈkʌstədi/
1

a state in which a person is kept in jail or prison, particularly while waiting to be tried

C1
  • The suspect was placed in custody pending a bail hearing.
  • He remained in custody until his trial date was set.
  • The police took the suspect into custody after the car chase ended.
  • She visited her brother regularly while he was in custody awaiting trial.
  • The inmate was released from custody after serving his sentence.
2

the legal right or responsibility to care for and make decisions regarding a child, especially after a divorce or separation

  • The court awarded full custody to the mother.
  • They share joint custody of their two children.
  • He lost custody after failing to meet court requirements.
  • Custody disputes often become emotionally charged.
  • She filed for custody to protect her child's welfare.
Synonyms:
3

the condition of being confined or kept under restraint, often temporarily

  • The prisoner was held in military custody for several days.
  • Custody was extended while the investigation continued.
  • The suspect escaped from custody during transfer.
  • Several protesters remain in temporary custody.
  • She was taken into custody but released the same day.