custody
UK: ˈkʌstədi | US: ˈkʌstədi
n. the protective care or guardianship of someone or something
n. the legal right or duty to care for someone (especially a child)
n. the state of being detained or held by authorities (e.g., police custody)
The word "custody" originates from Latin custodia, derived from custos (meaning "guardian" or "protector"). The morpheme cus reflects the root idea of "care" or "protection," while tody functions as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the term evolved in English to encompass legal and protective contexts, retaining its core association with guardianship.
The mother was granted sole custody of her children after the divorce.
The suspect was taken into police custody for questioning.
The museum has custody of several rare artifacts.
Financial assets were placed in the bank's custody for safekeeping.
During the trial, the child remained in temporary custody of social services.