custody

/'kʌstədi/

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Word: Custody

Part of Speech: Noun

Usage Instructions:

• In legal contexts: "custody" is often used when talking about children after parents separate or divorce.
• In police contexts: It is used when someone is being held by the police for questioning or awaiting trial.

Examples:

1. Child Custody: "After the divorce, the mother was awarded custody of the children."
2. Police Custody: "The suspect is in police custody while the investigation continues."

Advanced Usage:

• Legal Custody Types: There are different types of custody, including:
  • Physical Custody: Refers to where the child lives.
  • Legal Custody: Refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s life, such as education and health care.

Word Variants:

• Custodian (noun): A person who has custody or guardianship, often someone responsible for maintaining a place or looking after someone.
• Custodial (adjective): Related to custody, often used in legal or care contexts (e.g., custodial parent).

Different Meanings:

1. General Meaning: Having control or care over something (e.g., a property).
2. Legal Context: Rights and responsibilities regarding children in a divorce.
3. Detention Context: Being held by authorities, usually for a short time.

Synonyms:

• Guardianship
• Care
• Control
• Detention (in police context)
• Responsibility

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "In someone's custody": Means being under the care or control of someone, often used in legal or police contexts.
  • Example: "The documents are now in the custody of the attorney."
• "Custody battle": A legal dispute over who will have custody of the children after a divorce.
  • Example: "The couple has been in a custody battle for over a year."

Summary:

The word "custody" is important in both legal and everyday contexts. It signifies the responsibility or control over someone or something, particularly in situations involving children or legal detention.

Academic

Noun

1. (with `in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
   • my fate is in your hands
   • too much power in the president's hands
   • your guests are now in my custody
   • the mother was awarded custody of the children
2. holding by the police
   • the suspect is in custody
3. a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
   • his detention was politically motivated
   • the prisoner is on hold
   • he is in the custody of police

Synonyms

• hands
• detention
• detainment
• hold