custody

/ˈkʌstədi/
C1Frequency Level 8Formal
Visual representation of custody

Noun

1

The protective care or guardianship of someone or something, especially a child awarded to one parent by a court.

After the divorce, the mother was granted custody of the children.

2

The state of being imprisoned or detained by the police or other authorities.

The suspect was taken into custody by the police.

3

The responsibility for taking care of or protecting something.

The museum has custody of several rare paintings.