keeping; guardianship; care.

the keeping or charge of officers of the law

The car was held in the custody of the police.

imprisonment; legal restraint

He was taken into custody.

Also called child custody. Law . the right of determining the residence, protection, care, and education of a minor child or children, esp. in a divorce or separation.

noun

freedom , liberation , liberty

noun

aegis , auspices , care , conservation , custodianship , guardianship , keeping , management , observation , preservation , protection , safekeeping , salvation , superintendence , trusteeship , tute-lage , ward , wardship , watch , arrest , detention , duress , imprisonment , incarceration , jail , charge , supervision , trust , confinement , control , safe-keeping