Phrase guide

in loco parentis

adv · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK: /ɪn ˌləʊkəʊ pəˈɹɛntɪs/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

adv

Meaning 1

Assuming the place or position of a parent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Topics: law

Examples

  • All persons in loco parentis have a responsibility to care for the child.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

in place of the parents

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • we had to punish this child in loco parentis

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin in locō parentis (“in place of a parent”).

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: in loco parentis — in loco parentis
  • German: in loco parentis — in loco parentis
  • Italian: in loco parentis — in loco parentis
  • Spanish: in loco parentis — in loco parentis