custody
Translation
custody, care, guardianship
Examples
The parents were granted joint custody of their children.
The parents were granted joint custody of their children.
The suspect was taken into police custody.
The suspect was taken into police custody.
Grammar Patterns
custody ((of sb./sth.)) the legal right to care for (sb./sth.) The court granted her custody of the children.
in custody being kept by the police The thief is now in police custody.
Similar Words
Synonyms: guardianship, care, detention, confinement
Etymology
From Latin 'custodia' meaning 'guarding, watching, keeping', related to 'custos' (a guard).
Memory Tips
Think of a 'custodian' (a caretaker) who has 'custody' of a building or a person.