Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Territoriality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

territoriality

[หŒterษชหŒtษ”หrษชหˆรฆlษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal behavior

The behavior of an animal in defining and defending its territory against intruders.

Synonyms

defensiveness, protectiveness, territorial behavior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
territoriality

Used in contexts discussing animal or human behaviors related to the defense of an area. This can be in academic or scientific discussions.

  • The lion's territoriality ensures that it has enough resources for its pride
  • Territoriality is a key factor in many species' survival strategies
defensiveness

Commonly used to describe someoneโ€™s behavioral response to criticism or perceived threats, often in everyday conversations or psychological discussions. It has a negative connotation.

  • His defensiveness was apparent during the meeting when his ideas were questioned
  • Being defensive all the time can strain relationships
protectiveness

Applied to describe a behavior or attitude intended to safeguard or care for someone or something, often used in family or personal relationship contexts.

  • A mother's protectiveness over her children is natural
  • His protectiveness towards his younger sister was evident
territorial behavior

Refers specifically to actions taken by animals or humans to mark or defend a territory; often used in wildlife or ethology studies.

  • Territorial behavior in birds includes singing and patrolling their boundaries
  • The dog's territorial behavior involves barking at strangers near its home

Examples of usage

  • The red fox displays territoriality by marking its territory with urine.
  • Territoriality is common among many bird species.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

The behavior of an individual or group in defining and defending their territory, physical or otherwise.

Synonyms

boundary setting, space guarding, territorial mindset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
territoriality

Used in biological or psychological contexts to describe the instinct or behavior of defending a specific area.

  • Wolves exhibit territoriality by marking their territory with scent
  • His territoriality was apparent when he refused to share his office space
boundary setting

Often used in social, psychological, or interpersonal contexts to describe the process of establishing limits on behavior and interaction.

  • In a healthy relationship, boundary setting is crucial for mutual respect
  • She practiced boundary setting by clearly stating her work hours
space guarding

Typically used to describe the action of physically or metaphorically protecting one's immediate surroundings.

  • The dog is very good at space guarding and will bark at strangers approaching the house
  • He was space guarding his desk by keeping personal items all over it
territorial mindset

Describes a way of thinking that prioritizes the control and defense of one's own domain, whether in business, personal relationships, or other contexts.

  • His territorial mindset made him a tough competitor in the market
  • She displayed a territorial mindset when she objected to new team members joining her project

Examples of usage

  • Human territoriality can be observed in personal space boundaries.
  • The concept of territoriality is important in understanding social interactions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'territoriality'

The term 'territoriality' originates from the Latin word 'territorium', meaning 'land, territory'. It was first introduced in the field of animal behavior by biologist John B. Calhoun in the 1940s. The concept was later extended to human behavior by psychologist Robert Sommer in the 1950s. Territoriality plays a significant role in the study of ecology, psychology, and sociology.

See also: territorial, territorially, territories.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,922, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.