custody
KUSS-tuh-dee
/ˈkʌstədi/
The protective care or guardianship of someone, or detention while awaiting trial.
Refers to legal detention or physical control over a person or piece of evidence.
The story behind the word. Custody derives from Latin 'custos', meaning guardian or keeper. In Ancient Rome, 'custodia' referred both to safe protection and to keeping prisoners under guard.
Word relationships
- detention: Detention stresses being held back, while custody stresses being under state authority or protection.
- confinement: Confinement emphasizes physical restriction in an enclosed space.
- freedom: Freedom is independence from legal control or restraint.
- discharge: Discharge is official release from detention.
Commonly confused with
- guardianship: Guardianship is long-term legal care for a minor/dependent; police custody is detention by authorities.
Word family
- custodial (adjective): Relating to custody, guardianship, or imprisonment
- custodian (noun): A person responsible for guarding or keeping something safe
Collocations
- take into custody
- police custody
- remand in custody
- custody battle
- chain of custody
Idioms & expressions
- in custody
Example sentences
- "The suspect was taken into police custody immediately after his arrest." Criminal justice
- "The family court judge granted joint legal custody of the children to both parents." Family law
Memory hook
A CUSTODIAN keeps property in safe CUSTODY. Legal care or state detention.
When not to use
Do not use for informal babysitting without legal status.
Fun facts
- 'Chain of custody' is a strict legal rule requiring every transfer of physical evidence to be logged to prevent tampering.
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