Word Explorer

Custody

/ˈkʌstədiː/

The legal right to take care of something or somebody, especially children.

📖 Definitions of "Custody"

noun

1
The legal right to take care of something or somebody, especially children.
"The court awarded custody to the child's father."
2
Temporary possession or care of somebody else's property.
"I couldn't pay the bill and now my passport is in custody of the hotel management."
3
The state of being imprisoned or detained, usually pending a trial.
"He was mistreated while in police custody."
4
An area under the jurisdiction of a custos within the Order of Friars Minor.
"The Custody of the Holy Land includes the monasteries of Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem."

3 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
holdverb	(transitive) To grasp or grip.
detentionnoun	(countable) A temporary state of custody or confinement.
handsnoun	A surname.

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
detentionnoun	(countable) A temporary state of custody or confinement.
holdnoun	A grasp or grip.
handsnoun	A surname.
custodiannoun	A person entrusted with the custody or care of something or someone; a caretaker or keeper.
custodial	Providing protection, care, supervision or guarding.
tutelagenoun	Instruction; teaching; guidance; being a tutor.
guardianshipnoun	The office or position of one acting as a guardian or conservator, especially in a legal capacity.
custodianshipnoun	The office, or the duty of a custodian.
escortnoun	An accompanying person in a social gathering, etc.
stewardshipnoun	The act of caring for or improving with time.
supervisionnoun	(uncountable) The act or instance of supervising.
possessionnoun	Something that is owned.
vigilantenoun	A person who acts outside of legal authority, often violently, to punish or avenge a crime, right a perceived wrong, etc.
ownershipnoun	The state of having complete legal control of something; possession; proprietorship.
probationnoun	A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may be removed if certain conditions are not met.
tutorshipnoun	The duty of a tutor; tutelage
trusteeshipnoun	(law) Office or function of a trustee.
tenurenoun	A status of having a permanent post with enhanced job security within an academic institution.
wardennoun	A chief administrative officer of a prison.
guardiannoun	Someone who guards, watches over, or protects.