custodiar

to guard, to keep in custody

verb koos-toh-DYAHR Rare

Usage Note

Custodiar implies an ongoing duty of protection or custody, used for guarding prisoners, valuables, or documents. The noun custodia covers custody of a child (custodia compartida, joint custody) and the guarding of an object. It is more formal than vigilar and implies legal or official responsibility.

Examples

"Los agentes custodian el edificio las veinticuatro horas."

Natural Translation

Officers guard the building twenty-four hours a day.

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