der Gewahrsam
Translation
custody, detention, safekeeping
Examples
Der Verdächtige wurde in Gewahrsam genommen.
The suspect was taken into custody.
Er nahm die Wertsachen in seinen Gewahrsam.
He took the valuables into his safekeeping.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) in Gewahrsam nehmen to take (sb.) into custody The police took the thief into custody.
sich in Gewahrsam befinden to be in custody The suspect is in custody.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Haft (custody), Verwahrung (safekeeping), Obhut (care)
Etymology
From 'gewahr' (aware, mindful) and the suffix '-sam' (denoting a state). Originally meant 'safekeeping' or 'guardianship'.
Memory Tips
Think of the verb 'wahren' (to preserve). 'Gewahrsam' is the state of being preserved or kept, often by authorities (custody).