Definition Definition

custody - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'custody' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Custody [ n.]
- A keeping or guarding; care, watch, inspection, for keeping, preservation, or security.
- Judicial or penal safe-keeping.
- State of being guarded and watched to prevent escape; restraint of liberty; confinement; imprisonment.

Meaning of 'custody' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . custody [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
Example in sentence:
  • he is in the custody of police;
  • his detention was politically motivated;
  • the prisoner is on hold
Meaning (2):
- (with `in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
Example in sentence:
  • my fate is in your hands;
  • the mother was awarded custody of the children;
  • too much power in the president's hands;
  • your guests are now in my custody
Meaning (3):
- holding by the police
Example in sentence:
  • the suspect is in custody