adjective
territorial
tair-ih-TOR-ee-ul/ˌterəˈtɔːriəl/
Concerned with a bounded area of land.
The map's territorial boundary separates adjoining regions across hills and a river.
Etymology
Latin territorium denoted a district or domain around a town. Territorial therefore concerns land as a defined area, especially one under someone's jurisdiction or defended against others.
In context
to stake a territorial claim over a submerged feature land feature which doesn't offer any any territorial claim because it is submerged
More examples
- Fishing boats must stay within the country's territorial waters.
- Our cat becomes territorial when other cats enter the yard.
- She gets territorial about her favorite seat on the couch.
Forms
territory noun — An area controlled by someone or something.
territoriality noun — The tendency to claim and defend an area.
Similar words
- regional
- Regional concerns a region without necessarily implying ownership or control.
- possessive
- Possessive emphasizes controlling belongings or people rather than defending land.