What does territorial mean?
Territorial is an adjective meaning connected with a territory, especially the ownership, control, borders, or defense of a geographic area. It is common in political and legal language, as in “territorial integrity” and “territorial waters,” and it can also describe efforts to extend influence over land or sea. In everyday descriptions of people or animals, territorial behavior suggests a strong instinct to defend a space or possessions and may carry a mildly critical connotation. The word is especially important in discussions of sovereignty, border disputes, colonial history, and international relations. It can also be used as a noun for a member of a territorial force, particularly in British military usage. Derived from the Latin idea of land, territorial combines a precise geographic sense with broader connotations of possession, security, and control.
Relating to a territory, its ownership or control, or the defense of its borders and inhabitants.
"The treaty was intended to protect each country's territorial integrity."
A member of a territorial force, especially a soldier in the British Territorial Army.
"The Territorials were deployed to support the operation."
Usually used in the plural, often as “the Territorials,” for members of a territorial force.
"The Territorials trained throughout the summer."
The word territorial literally reaches back to Latin terra, meaning “earth”; it turns the idea of ground into a language of ownership, defense, and political power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does territorial come from?
Territorial comes through English from Latin territorialis, an adjective associated with territorium, “land” or “territory,” which in turn derives from terra, “earth.” The Latin territorialis originally conveyed the idea of belonging to or being connected with land. English later developed related geographical and political senses, while cognates such as territory, terrain, and terrestrial preserve the same Latin root. The word's modern applications therefore connect an ordinary concern with land and space to specialized legal, political, and military language.
Related word forms
How territorial is actually used
In political and legal contexts, territorial usually refers to land, borders, sovereignty, or jurisdiction. In descriptions of personal behavior, it can suggest defensiveness, possessiveness, or sensitivity about personal space.
Easily confused with territorial
Territory is the land or geographic area itself, while territorial is an adjective relating to such an area or to claims, control, or defense concerning it.