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custodian

custodian

40 3.8
A person who takes care of and protects things like buildings, animals, or records
  • noun
  • /kəˈstoʊdiən/
translation icon : custodio
  • As a custodian, her responsibilities include protecting valuable records and equipment.
  • school custodian
  • trustee and custodian
  • become the custodian

I always thought that I was a custodian of my wealth.

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Examples

  • Pat is the custodian of all of the transaction data in the MLS.

  • A good working relationship with the school custodian is very helpful in this situation.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Your job as a custodian is a noble one.

  • The teaching of these skills is for everyone in schools, from the custodian to the principal.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Ten years ago, I had a friend who was a custodian at the police impound.

  • Bet Roger's loving that I'm spending summer helping the school custodian.

  • The first virtue of custodians is to love and care for the thing entrusted to them.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The school's staff, principals, secretary, aides, custodians, and lunchroom workers were all given surveys.

    Academic text (1992)
  • The custodian ensures that the building is clean and well-maintained every day.

  • The school custodian takes pride in creating a safe and welcoming environment for students.

Synonyms

guardian
vscustodian
347 2.8

A person who looks after and protects someone or their things

is more about guarding varied assets including objects and records rather than people only
janitor
vscustodian
  • US
189 1.5

A person who cleans and looks after a building like a school or office

includes cleaning tasks but places greater emphasis on guarding and protecting assets
trustee
vscustodian
  • Specialized
137 4.8

A person or group who manages money and property for others and must act for their benefit

focuses less on legal management and more on physical and digital protection duties
housekeeper
vscustodian
110 1.1

A person who manages household chores and keeps the home clean

is more focused on protecting diverse assets beyond domestic chores
keeper
vscustodian
106 2.5

A person who looks after buildings, animals, or things

focuses on formal protection across physical and digital assets rather than only daily care
curator
vscustodian
79 6.1

A person who cares for and organizes collections in a museum or library

is more general custodial care across buildings, animals, and records rather than curation
caretaker
vscustodian
60 1.9

A person who looks after a building, home, or person when the owner is away

covers broader protection duties beyond presence or absence of an owner
steward
vscustodian
26 4.6

A person who manages property, money and daily operations for someone or an organization

leans more toward protective caretaking across many asset types rather than management
archivist
vscustodian
14 6.9

A person who collects, organizes, and keeps old records so people can use them

is broader, covering protection of current records, property, and nonarchival assets
groundskeeper
vscustodian
  • US
12 4.2

A person who cares for and looks after outdoor areas like parks and sports fields

covers outdoor care but also indoor, animal, and digital asset protection
superintendent
vscustodian
  • US
10 5.6

A person who manages an apartment building, fixing things and collecting rent

is more about protecting many asset types not only building management tasks
conservator
vscustodian
  • Specialized
5 7.5

A person who cares for and fixes paintings or old books in museums

is broader, covering active protection of many asset kinds not only collections
fiduciary
vscustodian
  • Specialized
5 9.2

A person who must manage someone else's money or property and act in their best interest

is more practical protection and upkeep rather than formal legal obligation
maintainer
vscustodian
3 4.9

A person who keeps things or traditions in good condition

adds protective responsibility and asset stewardship beyond mere operational upkeep
depositary
vscustodian
  • Formal
1 8.1

A person, place, or group that keeps things safe for others

includes entrusted safekeeping but also active protection and maintenance roles
record-keeper
vscustodian
1 3.8

A person who writes and saves important official information in files

extends record care to include protection of other asset types too

Antonyms

22 4.0

A person who damages public or private property on purpose

7.3

A person who gives little care to someone they should look after

How Responsible

guardian
347 2.8
conservator
  • Specialized
4 8.1
custodian
40 3.8
steward
26 4.6
caretaker
60 1.9
watcher
89 3.9

Surface Forms

custodian singular
custodians plural

Morphology

custodian = custody (semi-transparent) = custody + ian

The relation to 'custody' (a custodian is someone who has custody) is clear, but the Latinized suffix '-ian' and spelling changes make the derivation less transparently analysable for learners.

Etymology

Custodian comes from an old Latin root custod- meaning 'guard' or 'watch over'. You can see the same root in custody, so a custodian is someone who 'guards' and cares for buildings, animals, or other important things.