Possessive

Possessive describes a person, animal, or thing that displays an excessive desire to control or own something, often involving feelings of jealousy and protectiveness. It can manifest as a strong reluctance to share or let go of what is perceived as belonging to them. This behavior is frequently rooted in insecurity, fear of loss, or a need for control. In interpersonal relationships, possessiveness can damage trust and create feelings of confinement or anxiety. The intensity of possessiveness varies, ranging from mild protectiveness to controlling and demanding behavior, the impact of which may be severe and have negative consequences.

Possessive meaning with examples

• Mark’s possessive nature towards his girlfriend made her feel suffocated. He constantly checked her phone and questioned her whereabouts. Her friends advised her to leave the relationship because of his extreme insecurity. Ultimately, his actions proved too much and she decided that the relationship was not sustainable.
• The dog exhibited possessive behavior over its toys, growling and snapping at anyone who attempted to touch them. This protective instinct, while natural, became problematic when interacting with visiting children, so we had to keep them separated.
• Sarah’s possessive attachment to her antique furniture meant she refused to let anyone near it. She was very worried about its wellbeing, a mindset that made it very difficult to have guests over, even if they were friends of hers.
• After her divorce, Emily became possessive of her children's time, preventing the father from having a significant role in their lives, despite a previous agreement. Her feelings, caused by separation, led to arguments.
• The company's possessive attitude towards its intellectual property led to legal battles with several smaller firms, leading to the destruction of several new companies. Their lawyers pursued all avenues to protect its business.