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custody

/ˈkʌstədi/  ·  say it: KUH·stuh·dee

protective care or imprisonment; also guardianship of a child

In Law & Justice

In more detail

1. (noun) legal responsibility for a child, usually given to a parent by a court

2. (noun) the state of being held by police or in prison while awaiting trial

3. (noun) care or protection of something

Examples

• 1. After the divorce, the mother was awarded custody of the children.
• 2. The suspect was taken into custody by police officers.
• 3. The museum kept the ancient artifacts in custody for future generations.

Nearby in Law & Justice

bylaw, contempt of court, counsel, defamation, disbar, discovery