custodial

[kuh-stoh-dee-uhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to custody.

2. of, relating to, or appropriate to a custodian.

   a building superintendent's custodial duties.

3. responsible for or providing protective supervision and guardianship rather than seeking to improve or cure.

   Overcrowding forces many mental hospitals to provide only custodial care.

noun

1. a container or receptacle for something sacred, as the Host.

Other Word Forms

• custodialism noun
• noncustodial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of custodial¹

1765–75; < Latin custōdi ( a ) custody + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Lira’s attorney, Damon Cheronis, had sought a more lenient sentence involving no custodial time.

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"I thought 'right, I will go to the police'. He was charged and it was a relief. He was sent to jail. He got a custodial sentence. Justice has been done."

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Under the UK Borders Act 2007, a deportation order must be made when a foreign national has been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of at least 12 months.

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Kebatu was warned he faced an "immediate custodial sentence" when he returned to court on 23 September.

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The judge, Recorder Simon Stirling, told Xu: "You have pleaded guilty to a large number of offences for which the inevitable outcome is a lengthy custodial sentence."

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Related Words

• careful 
• defensive 
• jealous 
• possessive 
• vigilant 
• warm 
• watchful