custody meaning and definition

CUSTODY noun

Definition of custody (noun)

1. 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: detainment, detention, hold
2. holding by the police
   • "the suspect is in custody"
3. (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"
   • synonyms: hands