custody

The state of being held by police or in prison, often while waiting for trial.

• The suspect is in custody.
• Police took him into custody last night.
• She was released from custody before the trial.

How to use it: in custody (The two suspects remain in custody.); take someone into custody (Officers took the driver into custody.); release someone from custody (She was released from custody this morning.)

Similar words: detention

Common phrases: in custody, police custody

The legal right and responsibility to care for someone, especially a child.

• She has custody of the children.
• The parents agreed to share custody.
• The court awarded him full custody of his son.

How to use it: custody of someone (He has custody of his daughter.); award/grant someone custody (The judge granted both parents joint custody.)

Similar words: guardianship

Common phrases: custody of someone, joint custody

Temporary responsibility for keeping someone else’s belongings safe.

• The documents are in her custody.
• He left his valuables in the bank’s custody.
• They took custody of the paintings for a week.

How to use it: in someone’s custody (The jewels remained in the museum’s custody.); take custody of something (The bank took custody of the documents.)

Similar words: safekeeping, care

Common phrases: custody of something, in someone’s custody

An area of Franciscan religious communities managed by a leader called a custos.

• The friars belong to a small custody.
• This custody includes several monasteries.
• He was appointed to lead the custody.

Common phrases: Franciscan custody, custody of something