custodial
|cus-to-di-al|
🇺🇸
/kəˈstoʊdiəl/
🇬🇧
/kʌˈstəʊdɪəl/
relating to keeping or guarding
Etymology
'custodial' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'custodia', where 'custodia' meant 'a keeping, guarding, or custody'.
'custodial' developed from Medieval/Medieval Latin 'custodialis' and Old French/Middle English forms related to 'custody' (Old French 'custodie', Middle English 'custodie'), with the adjectival suffix '-al' producing the modern English 'custodial'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to guarding or keeping', and over time this core sense broadened to include legal custody, imprisonment-related contexts, and duties of caretaking/maintenance.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the legal custody or guardianship of a person (e.g., rights or responsibility for a child).
The mother was given custodial rights after the court hearing.
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Adjective 2
relating to imprisonment or detention; involving confinement in custody (often used of sentences).
He was sentenced to a custodial term for the offense.
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Adjective 3
relating to cleaning, maintenance, or the duties of a custodian (janitorial).
The school contracts out custodial services for evenings and weekends.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 00:02