visitation
UK: ˌvɪzɪˈteɪʃən | US: ˌvɪzɪˈteɪʃən
n. an official or formal visit, especially for inspection or supervision
n. the act of visiting someone, often in a spiritual or supernatural context (e.g., divine visitation)
n. (Law) a court-ordered temporary custody arrangement for a non-custodial parent
The word "visitation" originates from the Latin visitatio, derived from visitare (frequentative of videre, "to see"). The morpheme "visit" retains its core meaning of "going to see," while the suffix "-ation" transforms the verb into a noun denoting the action or result of visiting. Historically, the term was used in religious contexts (e.g., the Virgin Mary's "visitation" to Elizabeth) before expanding to secular and legal domains.
The health department conducted a surprise visitation to inspect the restaurant.
The small town experienced a strange visitation of glowing lights in the sky.
The judge granted the father weekend visitation rights with his children.
Many believers interpret dreams as divine visitations.
The museum announced special visitation hours for the holiday season.