Custody

Definition

Custody refers to the protective care or guardianship of someone, such as a child or property, as well as the legal right or duty to manage and look after them. It can also refer to the state of being detained or held by law enforcement authorities.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌstədi/
• Respelling: KUH-stuh-dee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌstədi/
• Respelling: KUH-stuh-dee

The pronunciation of "custody" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "custody" originates from the Latin word "custodia," meaning "guarding" or "protection," which is derived from "custos," meaning "guard." It entered English in the late Middle Ages and has since been used in legal and everyday contexts to refer to protective care or legal control over a person or property.

Derivatives

• Custodian (noun)
• Custodial (adjective)
• Non-custodial (adjective)
• Custodied (adjective)
• Custodianship (noun)

Synonyms

• Guardianship
• Supervision
• Detention

Antonyms

• Freedom
• Release
• Liberty

Usage

The term "custody" is used in various contexts, including legal, familial, and law enforcement. In family law, it refers to the legal right to care for and make decisions for a child, often after a divorce or separation. In law enforcement, it refers to the state of being detained by authorities, such as police custody. It is also used to describe the protective care of assets or property, such as financial custodianship.

Related Terms

• Guardianship: The responsibility for the care and management of a person, particularly a minor.
• Detention: The act of holding someone in custody, often by law enforcement.
• Supervision: The act of overseeing or directing the care and management of someone or something.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The protective care or guardianship of someone or something: Refers to the legal or physical responsibility for the safety and well-being of a person or property.
  • Example: "After the divorce, she was granted full custody of the children."
• The state of being detained or held by authorities: Refers to the confinement of a person by law enforcement or in a correctional facility.
  • Example: "The suspect remains in police custody while awaiting trial."