C1noun formal 2K

Custody

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈkʌstədi/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈkʌstədi/"]/

Meaning of Custody

the legal right or duty to take care of or keep somebody/something; the act of taking care of something/somebody

In simple words: The legal right to take care of someone, often a child.

Custody in a sentence

• The parents fought over the custody of their children after the divorce.
• He was taken into police custody for questioning regarding the incident.
• The court granted joint custody to both parents, allowing them to share decision-making responsibilities.
• After the arrest, he remained in custody awaiting trial.
• The museum kept the ancient relics in their custody to ensure their protection.
• She was placed in protective custody after threats were made against her life.

How to use Custody

Often used in legal contexts such as divorce or child welfare. Not appropriate in casual conversations; use more general terms like 'care' or 'look after' when speaking informally.

Grammar pattern

have + custody + of + object

Memory hint

Think of 'custody' as 'customs duty' for taking care of kids.

Related words

Collocations with Custody

• child
• joint
• sole
• ask for
• claim
• demand
• battle
• dispute
• arrangement
• custody  of
• military
• police
• protective
• be remanded in
• be taken into
• be held in
• in custody
• under custody
• out of custody

Synonyms for Custody

• guardianship
• care
• control
• supervision

Opposites of Custody

• release
• freedom
• liberation

Common mistakes with Custody

• Mistakenly using 'custody' as a verb
• Confusing 'custody' with 'guardianship' — they are not the same.
• Using 'custody' only in negative contexts, but it can also apply positively.

Frequently asked questions about Custody

What does Custody mean?

The legal right to take care of someone, often a child.

What is the definition of Custody?

the legal right or duty to take care of or keep somebody/something; the act of taking care of something/somebody

How do you use Custody in a sentence?

The parents fought over the custody of their children after the divorce.

Can you give another example of Custody?

He was taken into police custody for questioning regarding the incident.

What are synonyms for Custody?

Common alternatives include guardianship, care, control, supervision.

What is the opposite of Custody?

Opposite meanings include release, freedom, liberation.

What words go with Custody?

It commonly pairs with child, joint, sole, ask for, claim, demand, battle, dispute, arrangement, custody  of, military, police, protective, be remanded in, be taken into, be held in, in custody, under custody, out of custody.

What are common mistakes when using Custody?

Mistakenly using 'custody' as a verb Confusing 'custody' with 'guardianship' — they are not the same. Using 'custody' only in negative contexts, but it can also apply positively.

How do you pronounce Custody?

US: /["/ˈkʌstədi/"]/, UK: /["/ˈkʌstədi/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Custody formal or informal?

"Custody" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Custody?

Often used in legal contexts such as divorce or child welfare. Not appropriate in casual conversations; use more general terms like 'care' or 'look after' when speaking informally.

What CEFR level is Custody?

"Custody" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.