custody

cus-to-dy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The protective care or guardianship of someone or something.

  2. 2.

    (Legal) The right to care for a child, especially after divorce.

  3. 3.

    The state of being detained or held by police or legal authorities.

Forms

plural: custodies

Related words

Antonyms: freedom, release
See also: care, detention, guardian
Synonyms: care, detention, guardianship, keeping

Etymology

From Latin custodia meaning "a guarding, watching," derived from custos meaning "guardian, keeper." The word entered English through Old French custodie in the 15th century.