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

The so-called Peking University is an example of what the Chinese have to suffer on account of extra-territoriality.

From Project Gutenberg

In exchange for the privilege of extra-territoriality granted to foreign residents in Japan, they were placed under restrictions.

From Project Gutenberg

Territoriality and mutual exclusiveness of adults and even of young seems to be implied.

From Project Gutenberg

Territoriality in the usual sense is lacking in the five-lined skink, and could scarcely exist in an animal of its habits.

From Project Gutenberg

Band territoriality would have been directly contradictory to the enormous distances traversed by the mounted people.

From Project Gutenberg