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

The judge said the custodial threshold had been passed but he was able to impose an alternative to custody.

From BBC

The judge said the "vile, threatening and abusive" harassment of a former partner in 2022 on its own merited a custodial sentence.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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