Meaning
- Custody means the legal right or duty to take care of someone or something. It often refers to the guardianship of a child or the state of being detained by the police.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Noun (uncountable or countable depending on context)
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Common structures:
- have custody of [someone] – to have legal guardianship.
- be in custody – to be detained by the police or authorities.
- gain/lose custody – to win or lose the right to care for a child.
Common Phrases
- child custody – legal responsibility for a child.
- custody battle – a legal dispute over who gets custody.
- joint custody – shared guardianship between parents.
- police custody – detention by law enforcement.
- protective custody – when someone is kept in detention for their safety.
Collocations
- gain custody, lose custody, award custody, take into custody, be held in custody, in police custody, custody arrangement.
Examples
- The mother was granted custody of her two children after the divorce.
- He spent the night in police custody after being arrested.
- The parents are fighting a long custody battle in court.
- The suspect remains in custody while awaiting trial.
- They agreed on joint custody to ensure both parents stay involved.
- The court awarded custody to the father.
- She was taken into protective custody for her own safety.
- After the verdict, the defendant was taken into custody immediately.
- The lawyer specializes in custody cases.
- The child’s custody arrangement was reviewed by the court.
Synonyms or Related
- guardianship
- care
- detention
- imprisonment
- control
Antonym
- release
- freedom
- liberty