territoriality

[ ter-i-tawr-ee-al-i-tee, -tohr- ]
/ ˌtɛr ɪˌtɔr iˈæl ɪ ti, -ˌtoʊr- /

noun

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

Origin of territoriality

First recorded in 1890–95; territorial + -ity

OTHER WORDS FROM territoriality

non·ter·ri·to·ri·al·i·ty, noun

Words nearby territoriality

territorial army, territorial court, territorial matrix, territorial waters, territorialism, territoriality, territorialize, territorian, territory, territory wool, terroir

Example sentences from the Web for territoriality

British Dictionary definitions for territoriality

territoriality
/ (ˌtɛrɪˌtɔːrɪˈælɪtɪ) /

noun

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

Medical definitions for territoriality

territoriality
[ tĕr′ĭ-tôr′ē-ăl′ĭ-tē ]

n.

A behavior pattern in animals consisting of the occupation and defense of a territory.
A similar behavior pattern in humans consisting of the tendency to defend a particular domain or sphere of influence or interest.

Scientific definitions for territoriality

territoriality
[ tĕr′ĭ-tôr′ē-ăl′ĭ-tē ]

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