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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

  • (..) Buzz! Prisoners disabled, Commander Lotso! -Buzz, what are you doing? -Silence, minions of Zurg! You're in the custody of the Galactic Alliance! -''Zurg''? -''Galactic Alliance''? Oh, boy. Good work, Lightyear. (..)
    2010 Toy Story 3