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custody

Custody (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈkʌs tə di/

What does custody mean?

The legal right and responsibility for the care, control, and protection of a person or property.
"The divorced couple had joint custody of their two children."

Detailed Meaning of Custody

It encompasses the authority granted to an individual or entity to exercise control and make decisions regarding the well-being and welfare of another person, particularly in cases involving legal or familial matters. Custody often arises in the context of child custody, where it pertains to the determination of parental rights and the arrangement for the upbringing and support of children. It can also extend to the custody of assets, such as financial resources or physical property, which involves the management and safeguarding of those resources on behalf of another party. The concept of custody carries an inherent duty to act in the best interests of the individual or property under one's care, providing a safe and nurturing environment while ensuring their rights and needs are protected.

Example Sentences for Custody

1. The court awarded full custody of the child to the mother.
2. The detective placed the suspect under arrest and took him into custody.
3. The child was placed in the custody of a loving foster family.
4. The valuable artwork was held in secure custody at the museum.
5. The police officers escorted the prisoner from the courtroom to the custody of the jail.
6. The judge granted temporary custody to the grandparents until a permanent arrangement could be made.

Origin and Etymology of Custody

The noun 'custody' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'custodia,' which is derived from 'custos,' meaning 'guard' or 'keeper.' In ancient Rome, 'custodia' referred to the act of guarding, protecting, or watching over something or someone. Over time, it came to represent the legal right and responsibility for the care, control, and protection of a person or property. The etymology of 'custody' underscores its historical connection to the concept of guardianship and protection, highlighting its role in legal contexts as the authority and responsibility to ensure the well-being and security of individuals or assets.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun custody:

release

abandonment

neglect

guardianship

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Custody

1. The parents had a bitter custody battle over their shared assets.
2. The bank held the funds in custody for the wealthy client.
3. The child protective services intervened and took the child into custody due to neglect.
4. The estate lawyer ensured that the deceased's assets were properly transferred into the custody of the designated beneficiaries.
5. The international treaty aimed to prevent the illegal trafficking of artifacts by placing them under strict custody and control.
6. The parents share custody of their children after the divorce.
7. Legal custody involves making important decisions for the child.
8. He was granted sole custody of the family's assets.
9. Custody battles can be emotionally draining for all involved.
10. The court awarded joint custody to both parents.
11. The child's safety is paramount in a custody case.
12. The grandmother was given temporary custody of the child.
13. The custody agreement outlines visitation rights clearly.
14. Custody arrangements can be modified if circumstances change.
15. Maintaining custody of the evidence is crucial for the trial.
16. They fought a bitter custody battle over the family pet.
17. Custody disputes often require mediation or legal intervention.
18. The court appointed a guardian to oversee custody matters.
19. Legal custody grants authority over education and healthcare.
20. She sought sole custody to protect her child's well-being.
21. Joint custody allows both parents to be actively involved.
22. The custody hearing is scheduled for next week.
23. He was released from police custody pending an investigation.
24. The custody agreement ensures a stable environment for the child.
25. Custody of the estate was entrusted to a trustee.