possessive
puh-ZES-iv
/pəˈzɛs.ɪv/
Demanding total attention and love from someone; unwilling to share possessions, affection, or control.
Focuses on dominant, territorial control over people or objects due to deep insecurity.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Latin possideere ('to hold in possession, occupy'), formed from potis ('able, powerful') + sedere ('to sit'). Literally, it means 'to sit upon' something so securely that no one else can touch or take it.
Word relationships
- domineering: Domineering stresses arrogance and control over decisions rather than fear of loss.
- protective: Protective focuses on keeping someone safe from danger, whereas possessive focuses on ownership.
- permissive: Permissive implies allowing freedom and lack of strict control.
- unselfish: Unselfish means willingly sharing time, resources, and freedom.
Commonly confused with
- progressive: Progressive means forward-thinking or moving forward, unrelated to holding onto objects.
Word family
- possess (verb): To own, hold, or control as property.
- possession (noun): The state of having, owning, or controlling something.
- possessively (adverb): In a possessive or overly controlling manner.
Collocations
- possessive nature
- possessive instinct
- fiercely possessive
- possessive parent
Idioms & expressions
- possessive streak
Example sentences
- "Toddlers are naturally possessive of their toys and struggle to learn the concept of sharing." Child psychology
- "His possessive behavior made her feel isolated from her friends and family." Relationship analysis
Memory hook
A POSSESSIVE person SITs on their POSSESSIons so nobody else can take them. POSSESSIVE sits tight to guard ownership.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a person who simply wants to buy new things; reserve for someone guarding what they already hold.
Fun facts
- In English grammar, 'possessive' has been used since the 16th century to designate pronouns and nouns showing ownership (e.g., 'my', 'mine').
Related words
Explore more words
clinging, monopolize, attachment, fixation, affectionate, dominate
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