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# protective custody

noun phrase (protective custody, uncountable)

«protective custody» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (official) keeping a person locked up or under guard for their own safety.
2. (euphemism, historical) arrest and imprisonment without trial, described as protection.

### In the lessons

Police and prisons use it for keeping witnesses or prisoners safe from harm; some governments used it to hide unjust imprisonment. Official register, all countries.

### Examples

- The witness was placed in protective custody.
- The prisoner asked for protective custody after threats.
- Some governments jailed opponents and called it «protective custody».
- In protective custody, the man was guarded day and night.
- Protective custody keeps people safe, but it can be lonely.
- The child was taken into protective custody by social workers.

### Note

It can mean real protection or hide unfair imprisonment; context matters. Plain words: kept safe under guard; locked up.