WordGarden.ioterritorial
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˌɛrɪtˈɔːrɪəl/
US
- /ˌtɛrɪˈtɔriəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to a country's territory, borders, or jurisdiction
of an animal, defending a fixed area against others of the same kind
defensive or possessive about one's own space, role, or relationships
Beyond the definition
Imagine a dog guarding its favorite bone – that's territorial behavior! It means someone or something is very protective of their space, whether it's physical like a backyard, or even abstract like ideas or relationships. A lion defending its territory is intensely territorial, as is a person who gets upset when you borrow their pen without asking.
The word often implies a sense of ownership and a willingness to defend that perceived ownership. You might describe a country as being territorial about its borders, or a musician as being territorial about their creative work. It's not always aggressive, but it always signals a strong connection to a specific area or thing.
"Territorial" describes behavior related to defending an area – whether physical space, ideas, relationships, or even emotional boundaries – against intrusion by others. Think of animals marking their territory with scent; they're sending a clear message: "This is mine." But this kind of behavior isn't limited to the animal kingdom; humans show it too.
It can manifest as possessiveness, defensiveness, or even aggression when someone feels their space or belongings are threatened. A child might become territorial over their toys, refusing to share with siblings. An artist might be territorial about their work, fiercely protecting its originality and resisting unwanted feedback.
The context is key. While sometimes viewed negatively – suggesting stubbornness or a lack of generosity – being territorial can also be natural and healthy. Establishing personal boundaries is a form of it, helping make sure your needs are respected. A nation defending its borders might be described as acting territorially, protecting its sovereignty.
However, excessive territorial behavior can lead to conflict. Someone overly territorial in a relationship might become controlling or jealous. In the workplace, it could manifest as resistance to collaboration or "protecting one's turf."
So, whether you're observing a lion guarding its pride, a child clinging to their favorite toy, or navigating complex social dynamics, understanding "territorial" helps explain behavior rooted in ownership, protection, and boundaries. It's about what – and who – we consider ours.
Examples
- 1
Animal behavior
Cats can be very territorial, especially around food and sleeping areas.
- 2
National waters
The fishermen were arrested after entering another country’s territorial waters.
- Phraseterritorial waters
the part of the sea controlled by a country
- 3
Diplomatic conflict
The peace talks focused on a long-running territorial dispute between the two countries.
- 4
Geographic claims
The map showed several overlapping territorial claims in the Arctic.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace control
After the promotion, he became territorial about his new office.
- Patternterritorial about + something
acting as if it belongs only to you and not wanting others involved
- 6
Project control
The lead designer grew territorial over the project and rejected outside suggestions.
- Patternterritorial over + something
unwilling to share control of it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- jurisdictional
- possessive
- border-related
Contrast
- extraterritorial
- nonterritorial
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- territorial dispute
- territorial integrity
- territorial waters
- territorial claims
Word family
- territory
- territoriality
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- territorialadjectivenoun