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 Words From

• cus·todi·al·ism noun
• noncus·todi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of custodial¹

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

Example Sentences

International parental kidnapping occurs when a parent takes a child to a different country in violation of another parent’s custodial rights.

From Washington Post

She encourages them to get started with what’s called a “custodial” account — an investment account opened in a minor’s name by a parent or guardian.

From Washington Post

The district is allowed to remain open per the state’s orders, but the school board and superintendent decided to close campuses because of a lack of staff, including substitute teachers, operational staff and custodial crew.

From Voice of San Diego

Anderson’s husband couldn’t do his custodial work from home, so it was on her to stay home with their 10-year-old son.

From Washington Post

Coronel hopes the district does not leave too many retiree jobs vacant, because “as we bring kids to school campuses, in some areas, more employees are needed,” like custodial employees, she said.

From Voice of San Diego

Now sources say the DJ is attempting to gain custodial rights to his child.

From The Daily Beast

Step by step, the penal and custodial apparatus of the United States has become larger, more belligerent, and more brazen.

From The Daily Beast

North Dakota requires two-parent notification and custodial parent consent for minors, as well as a 24-hour waiting period.

From The Daily Beast

Police hoped the bugging operation would result in long custodial sentences for both police and journalists.

From The Daily Beast

This prophylactic rule requires suppression of any custodial statement made before the warnings are given.

From The Daily Beast

Other measures recommended were the custodial care of the feeble-minded, and State control of the use of alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

A certain sum would also be received from the families of some of the inmates of the training schools and custodial institutions.

From Project Gutenberg

Many cases of mental alienation improve promptly under custodial care, many need it all their lives.

From Project Gutenberg

The increase and classification of the custodial population here contemplated is a problem for administrative charity.

From Project Gutenberg

As they grow older they will be transferred to proper custodial institutions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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