territoriality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2formal, academic
Quick answer
What does “territoriality” mean?
The behavior exhibited by an animal or person in defending its territory against intruders of the same species.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The behavior exhibited by an animal or person in defending its territory against intruders of the same species.
The concept of attachment to or control over a defined geographic area; the state of being organized into or relating to a territory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in geopolitical and business contexts (e.g., 'sales territoriality'), but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “territoriality” in a Sentence
territoriality of [NOUN]territoriality in [NOUN]territoriality among [NOUN]territoriality over [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “territoriality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The birds will territorialise the garden each spring.
- The sales team territorialised the northern region.
American English
- The wolves territorialize the valley against other packs.
- The company is territorializing its digital market share.
adverb
British English
- The marker scent was placed territorialistically.
- [Extremely rare; usually paraphrased]
American English
- He behaved territorialistically, guarding his project files.
- [Extremely rare; usually paraphrased]
adjective
British English
- The cat's territorial behaviour was evident.
- They had a territorial dispute over the office space.
American English
- The dog's territorial instincts kicked in.
- A territorial argument erupted between the managers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to disputes or agreements between departments or salespeople over control of specific markets or clients.
Academic
Central concept in animal behavior studies, human geography, political science (e.g., state sovereignty), and sociology.
Everyday
Rarely used. Might describe a pet marking its area or siblings arguing over room space.
Technical
Precise term in ethology for patterns of spacing, aggression, and marking observed in species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “territoriality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “territoriality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “territoriality”
- Confusing 'territoriality' with 'territory' (the latter is the physical space, the former is the behavior related to it). Mispronouncing by stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., terriTORiality instead of terriTORiALity).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core scientific meaning comes from animal behavior, it is extensively applied to humans in geography, sociology, politics, and business to describe patterns of defending or controlling space.
'Territory' is the physical area itself. 'Territoriality' is the pattern of behavior, feelings, or laws associated with claiming, defending, or organizing that territory.
Yes. In contexts like urban planning or ecology, it can neutrally describe how space is organized. In business, it can be seen as negative (infighting) or positive (clear accountability).
No. It is a mid-frequency academic/technical term. In everyday conversation, people would describe the behavior ('being possessive', 'marking his territory') rather than use the noun 'territoriality'.
The behavior exhibited by an animal or person in defending its territory against intruders of the same species.
Territoriality is usually formal, academic in register.
Territoriality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɛr.ɪ.tɔː.riˈæl.ɪ.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌter.ə.tɔːr.iˈæl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms. The concept is itself technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TERRITORY' + 'ALITY' = The quality or state of having a territory you defend.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS A RESOURCE TO BE DEFENDED; CONTROL IS OWNERSHIP.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'territoriality' most often refers to: