custody

Everyday

1. Being kept by the police or in prison, usually while waiting to go to court: the suspect was taken into custody. tree →
2. The legal right and duty to look after a child, especially after parents separate: his mum has custody. tree →
3. (formal) Care and keeping of something valuable: the museum has custody of the paintings. tree →

In the lessons

In news and crime stories the police take a suspect "into custody". In family life, after a divorce a court may decide which parent has custody, or both share it (joint custody). Phrases: in custody, take into custody, police custody, joint custody, safe custody.

Examples

• The police took the thief into custody. tree →
• He is being held in custody until the trial. tree →
• After the divorce, her parents share joint custody. tree →
• Her dad has custody of the children at weekends. tree →
• (formal) The jewels were kept in safe custody at the bank. tree →
• The suspect escaped from custody but was caught again. tree →
• A man was arrested for having caused his death, and held in custody till a gallows was erected. tree →

Note

Uncountable. The person who keeps something is the custodian. "In custody" (with police) is different from "in care" (looked after by social services). Sensitive topic: some children's parents live apart.

In Jewish tradition

In news and crime stories the police take a suspect "into custody". In family life, after a divorce a court may decide which parent has custody, or both share it (joint custody). Phrases: in custody, take into custody, police custody, joint custody, safe custody.

Note

Uncountable. The person who keeps something is the custodian. "In custody" (with police) is different from "in care" (looked after by social services). Sensitive topic: some children's parents live apart.