Hoarding: meaning, definitions and examples

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hoarding

[ˈhɔːrdɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health

The compulsive accumulation and storage of things that are often not needed or have little value.

Synonyms

accumulating, collecting, stockpiling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hoarding	This term is a repetition and has the same context and examples as the first instance. He's been hoarding newspapers in his attic for decades The hoarding of food during the pandemic caused shortages
stockpiling	This word is typically used when someone is gathering a large quantity of something, usually in preparation for a shortage or emergency. It can have a neutral to negative connotation, depending on the context. People started stockpiling toilet paper at the start of the pandemic Governments are stockpiling vaccines to be prepared for future outbreaks
collecting	This word is used when someone is gathering items, often as a hobby or for a specific purpose. It generally has a positive or neutral connotation. He enjoys collecting stamps from different countries She has been collecting seashells since she was a child
accumulating	Use this word when talking about gradually gathering a quantity of something over time. It can be used in both a positive and neutral context. She is accumulating wealth through her investments Snow has been accumulating on the streets since last night

Examples of usage

Her hoarding of old newspapers had created a fire hazard in her home.
His hoarding of useless items was a symptom of his underlying anxiety disorder.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The act of amassing and holding on to large quantities of items or possessions.

Synonyms

hoard, pile, stash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hoarding	Used when referring to the act of collecting large quantities of items, often perceived negatively as it implies excessive or unnecessary accumulation. The hoarding of toilet paper during the pandemic led to shortages. Her hoarding habits made her house nearly unlivable.
hoard	Refers to a large amount of something that someone has saved or hidden. It can sometimes imply secrecy or greed. He had a secret hoard of candy hidden in his desk. The squirrel had a hoard of nuts stored for the winter.
stash	Describes a secret or private collection of items, often implying that these items are valuable or being kept hidden for personal use. He had a stash of money hidden in his sock drawer. She always keeps a stash of chocolate for emergencies.
pile	Represents a group of things placed one on top of another, often implying disorganization or a lack of storage. She had a pile of clothes on her bed that needed folding. There was a pile of books on his desk.

Examples of usage

The hoarding of resources during times of scarcity can lead to shortages for others.
His hoarding of money prevented him from enjoying life to the fullest.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Hoarding can be linked to anxiety, where people feel safer keeping items rather than letting them go.
Studies show that individuals who hoard often struggle with decision-making about what to keep or throw away.
Not everyone who collects is a hoarder, as hoarding is characterized by significant distress and impairment in daily life.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, keeping many items is seen as wise and a way to preserve heritage, while in others, it may be viewed as wasteful.
Television shows about hoarding have raised awareness about the condition, fostering empathy and understanding of its challenges.
The minimalist movement, advocating for owning fewer items, directly contrasts with the hoarding tendency.

Historical Context

Hoarding behaviors have been observed throughout history, often during times of scarcity, like the Great Depression.
In ancient societies, those who hoarded grains during bad harvests risked being shunned or punished for not contributing to the community.
Modern psychology began formally recognizing hoarding as a mental health disorder in the 1990s, altering perceptions and treatment approaches.

Social Implications

Hoarding can impact relationships, leading to conflicts with family and friends who may feel overwhelmed by the clutter.
Communities often organize clean-up efforts for hoarding situations, highlighting the collective responsibility to care for neighbors.
There's a stigma attached to hoarding, making it hard for individuals to seek help due to fear of judgment.

Literature

Several works of fiction explore themes of hoarding, often using it as a metaphor for deeper emotional issues or societal critiques.
Classic novels sometimes portray characters who hoard as eccentric or villainous, reflecting society’s distrust of excessive accumulation.
Hoarding has also emerged as a topic in poetry, often symbolizing the struggle with materialism and the human condition.

Translations

Translations of the word "hoarding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acumulação

🇮🇳 संचय

🇩🇪 Horten

🇮🇩 penimbunan

🇺🇦 накопичення

🇵🇱 gromadzenie

🇯🇵 蓄積 (ちくせき)

🇫🇷 accumulation

🇪🇸 acumulación

🇹🇷 istifleme

🇰🇷 축적 (chukjeok)

🇸🇦 اكتناز

🇨🇿 hromadění

🇸🇰 hromadenie

🇨🇳 囤积 (túnjī)

🇸🇮 kopičenje

🇮🇸 söfnun

🇰🇿 жинақтау

🇬🇪 დაგროვება

🇦🇿 yığma

🇲🇽 acumulación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,166, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20163 humblest
20164 uprooted
20165 enormity
20166 hoarding
20167 nationalized
20168 lamenting
20169 thrashing
...