custody
noun
cus·to·dy
ˈkə-stə-dē 
plural custodies
: immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority
also
: safekeeping
Synonyms
Examples of custody in a Sentence
She has sole custody of her daughter.
The judge granted custody to the grandparents.
The bank provides safe custody for valuables.
Recent Examples on the Web
Police blocked roads around the home to establish a perimeter and the Meridian Police Department’s Special Tactics Group team helped take the three suspects into custody.
—
Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Jan. 2025
The driver of that vehicle, Amy Dawn Crouch, 46, of Lenexa, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
The suspect, identified by police as Jose Carranza-Escobar, was found standing near the flames and was arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently being held in custody.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Pulcini was located inside the residence, where he was taken into custody, state police said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for custody 
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Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Jan. 2025
The driver of that vehicle, Amy Dawn Crouch, 46, of Lenexa, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025
The suspect, identified by police as Jose Carranza-Escobar, was found standing near the flames and was arrested on suspicion of arson and is currently being held in custody.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Pulcini was located inside the residence, where he was taken into custody, state police said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for custody
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Dictionary Entries Near custody
Cite this Entry
“Custody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/custody. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
custody
noun
cus·to·dy
ˈkəs-təd-ē
1
: direct responsibility for care and control
2
: the state of being arrested or held by the police
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