custodian

/kʌs'toudjən/

Thân thiện

The custodian sweeps the hallway of the school.

Definition

Noun: 1. A person who has the responsibility of protecting, maintaining, or caring for something valuable: This refers to an individual entrusted with the charge, supervision, or guardianship of property, buildings, collections, or sometimes animals. 2. A guardian or keeper: This sense emphasizes the role of safeguarding and preserving the item or place under one's care.

Usage and Examples

• The museum custodian is responsible for the security and cleanliness of the galleries.
• After the school closed, the custodian locked all the doors.
• She was appointed as the legal custodian of her younger siblings.
• The bank acts as a custodian for the investors' securities.

Advanced Usage

• "Custodian of tradition": A metaphorical use describing a person or group responsible for preserving and upholding cultural practices, knowledge, or values.
  • The elders are considered the custodians of the tribe's oral history.
• In finance, a custodian bank is an institution that holds and safeguards financial assets (like stocks and bonds) for others.

Variants and Related Words

• Custodial (adjective): Relating to custody or guardianship.
  • The parent was granted custodial rights.
  • He works in the custodial department of the university.
• Custodianship (noun): The position or duties of a custodian.

Synonyms

• Caretaker: A person employed to look after a building or a person.
• Guardian: A defender, protector, or keeper.
• Keeper: A person who manages or looks after something.
• Steward: A person who manages another's property or financial affairs; often implies responsible management.
• Warden: A person responsible for the supervision of a particular place or thing.

Antonyms

• Vandal: A person who deliberately destroys or damages property.
• Squatter: A person who occupies unused or abandoned property without legal right.

Related Phrases

• In custody: Under the guard or supervision of the authorities, especially the police.
  • The suspect is now in custody.
• Custody battle: A legal dispute over who should have guardianship of a child.

Học thuật

Noun

1. one having charge of buildings or grounds or animals

Từ đồng nghĩa

• keeper
• steward