Custodial: meaning, definitions and examples

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custodial

 

[ kʌˈstoʊ.di.əl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal context

The term 'custodial' pertains to the responsibilities of custody, especially in legal situations where a person is given the care and supervision of someone else, typically a child. It often refers to custodial parents who have the right to make decisions about the child's welfare and living arrangements. In a broader sense, 'custodial' can also refer to roles involving care or maintenance of particular property or areas, such as custodial workers or custodial accounts.

Synonyms

caregiving, custodial parent, guardianship

Examples of usage

  • The custody agreement outlined the custodial rights of each parent.
  • She held custodial responsibilities for her younger siblings.
  • The school hired custodial staff to maintain cleanliness.

Translations

Translations of the word "custodial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 custodial

🇮🇳 सुरक्षा संबंधी

🇩🇪 verwahrend

🇮🇩 kewaspadaan

🇺🇦 охоронний

🇵🇱 ochronny

🇯🇵 管理の

🇫🇷 custodial

🇪🇸 custodial

🇹🇷 gözaltı

🇰🇷 보호의

🇸🇦 حراسة

🇨🇿 ochranný

🇸🇰 ochranný

🇨🇳 监护的

🇸🇮 skrbniški

🇮🇸 gæslumaður

🇰🇿 қорғаушы

🇬🇪 დამცავი

🇦🇿 mühafizə

🇲🇽 custodial

Word origin

The word 'custodial' is derived from the Latin verb 'custodire', which means 'to guard' or 'to keep watch'. This verb formed the basis of the Latin noun 'custodia', meaning 'guardianship' or 'protection', which further evolved in Old French as 'custodie'. As the term transitioned into Middle English, it retained its meaning of safety and watchfulness. Over time, 'custodial' emerged in English usage particularly in legal and domestic contexts, referring specifically to the roles and responsibilities associated with guardianship and care. The focus on custodial arrangements in family law has also increased, with the term becoming paramount in custody discussions, especially in divorce or separation cases, emphasizing the importance of parental care and responsibility.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,720, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.