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

Two young men have been given custodial sentences for supplying ecstasy to a group of teenagers, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl who died after collapsing in a nightclub.

From BBC

Even though he largely relied on a wheelchair at the time, he managed to do some custodial work and get his life on a better path.

From Los Angeles Times

Guiver was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which includes a custodial term of 15 years and an extended licence period of five years.

From BBC

The judge reserved his position on a penalty, which could comprise of a maximum custodial sentence of 28 days for contempt of court.

From BBC

Felicia Hudson, 54, of Newman, Ga., was a custodial operations manager at the school.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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