protective custody
nounUK /prəˈtɛktɪv ˈkʌstədi/
US /prəˈtɛktɪv ˈkʌstədi/
A safe place where someone is kept so nobody can hurt them.
The scared witness was put in protective custody until the trial.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. When police keep someone safe from danger instead of punishing them.
The child was placed in protective custody while the police found a safe home.
3. A situation where a person is watched over closely to keep them from harm.
The prisoner was moved into protective custody after threats from other inmates.
4. The legal right to take care of someone and keep them safe.
The court gave the grandmother protective custody of the little boy.