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

  • (..) my orders and remain in Switzerland- - Uh- - Don't interrupt! I want you to arrest Lady Litton. Arrest the Lady Litton? Immediately. If she's not in your custody within five minutes, you'll be checking parking meters in Martinique. Yes, sir. Five minutes? (..)
    1975 The Return of the Pink Panther