territoriality

[ ter-i-tawr-ee-al-i-tee, -tohr- ]

noun

1. territorial quality, condition, or status.
2. the behavior of an animal in defining and defending its territory.
3. attachment to or protection of a territory or domain.

territoriality

/ ˌtɛrɪˌtɔːrɪˈælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or rank of being a territory
2. the behaviour shown by an animal when establishing and defending its territory

territoriality

/ tĕr′ĭ-tôr′ē-ăl′ĭ-tē /

1. A behavior pattern in animals consisting of the occupation and defense of a territory.

Other Words From

• nonter·ri·tori·ali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of territoriality¹

First recorded in 1890–95; territorial + -ity

Example Sentences

“When I spoke to President Xi, I prefaced our discussion by saying we are not going to decide here today the issues that are between the Philippines and China in terms of territoriality,” Marcos said.

From Seattle Times

The book's final chapter, which aims to "consider man in the free spirit of natural history, as though we were zoologists from another planet," touches on the evolutionary origins of language, territoriality, and other behaviors.

From Salon

The other side of the situation sensed the same territoriality.

From Seattle Times

It could also come from the effects of travel on the visiting opponents, the local teams’ familiarity with the venue or territoriality—a defensive response to the invasion of one’s home.

From Scientific American

Because territoriality is primarily a male trait, it seems that war will always be with us.

From Washington Post