custodian

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kʌˈstoʊdiən/
• American English: kuh-STOH-dee-uhn

Origin

From Latin "custos" meaning "guardian" + "-ian" (suffix denoting a person with a certain occupation)

Meanings

1. (noun) A person who has responsibility for or looks after something
   • A caretaker of a building
   • Someone who guards or maintains property
   • A person responsible for protecting or maintaining records, artifacts, or other valuables

Example Sentences

1. "The school custodian keeps the building clean and well-maintained."
2. "The museum custodians are responsible for protecting priceless artifacts."
3. "The bank acts as a custodian of its clients' valuable documents."

Related Words

• Forms

  • Plural: custodians
  • Related noun: custody
  • Adjective: custodial

• Synonyms

  • caretaker
  • keeper
  • guardian
  • steward
  • janitor (in building maintenance context)
  • warden

Memory Tricks

1. Think "CUSTO-DIAN" = "CUSTOM GUARDIAN" - someone who guards or maintains by custom
2. Break it down: "CUST" (like customer service) + "ODIAN" (sounds like "guardian") = someone who serves by guarding or maintaining