custody

Definition

  • noun: the legal right to take care of a child (such as a child whose parents are divorced)
  • noun: immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority
  • used after 'in' or 'into'
  • synonyms: confinement, imprisonment, care

Examples

  • a bitter 'custody battle' [=a legal fight between divorced parents about who will take care of a child]

  • He was taken 'into' (police) 'custody' last night and will be charged with murder today.

  • The witness is 'in protective custody'. [=is being kept in a safe place by the police]

Movie quotes

  • (..) - Yes, Your Honor. - Is Michael O'Donnell present? No, Your Honor. I take his absence as agreement to the orders of the divorce. - You are not requesting sole custody? - No, Your Honor. "You can't handle the truth!" What? I'm sorry, I panicked. It was the first thing that came into my mind. (..)
    2009 17 Again
  • (..) ...Rogaine. Are you with a girl? No, no. It's, uh, a bunch of cheerleaders. So would you consider maybe dating a th-grader? I think we could go for full custody. No, you can't take my kids away from me. Since when do you care? MIKE: Look... (..)
    2009 17 Again