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DictionaryjealousyFear of a rival
noun

jealousy

JEL-uh-see/ˈdʒeləsi/

Fear of losing someone's affection or loyalty to a rival.

She watches her partner turn toward another woman with jealousy.

A seated heterosexual couple at a small cafe table: the woman holds her boyfriend's hand but watches him turn toward another woman with hurt, resentful apprehension.
Etymology
jealLatinzeal
+ousLatinfull of
+yOld Frenchstate or quality

The underlying idea is zeal or intense devotion, which can become possessive watchfulness. That connection helps explain how a word associated with ardent love also names suspicion and fear of losing it.

In context

Libranima186:17
To be present with one’s jealousy and one’s rage, while she lavishes on a miserable, blustering imbecile, treasures of love and beauty!
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame - Hugo (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

  • She admitted that jealousy had clouded her judgment.
  • Their friendship survived a period of jealousy.
  • He struggled with jealousy whenever his partner mentioned the rival.

Forms

jealousy · jealousies

jealous adjective — fearing the loss of affection to another

Similar words

possessiveness
A desire to control another person’s attention or loyalty.
insecurity
Lack of confidence that may cause jealousy.