territory

[ˈterətɔːri]

territory Definition

• 1. an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state
• 2. an area defended by an animal or group of animals against others of the same sex or species
• 3. a subject or activity one knows about or has control over

Using territory: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "territory" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The country's northern territory is rich in natural resources.

• Example

  The cat marked its territory by spraying urine on the furniture.

• Example

  She is an expert in the territory of human rights law.

• Example

  The company expanded its territory by acquiring a smaller competitor.

• Example

  The wolf pack fiercely defends its territory from other packs.

territory Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for territory

• region
• domain
• realm
• province
• land

Antonyms for territory

• disputed area
• no man's land

Idioms Using territory

• mark (out) one's territory

  to assert one's ownership or dominance over a particular area or thing

  Example

  The new CEO quickly marked out her territory by making changes to the company's structure.

• go/step over the line (into enemy territory)

  to do something that is not acceptable or that goes beyond what is allowed

  Example

  The politician went over the line when he made derogatory comments about his opponent's family.

• know one's way around (a particular territory)

  to be familiar with a particular area or subject

  Example

  As a seasoned traveler, she knew her way around the city's tourist hotspots.

Phrases with territory

• unchartered territory

  an area or subject that is unfamiliar or unexplored

  Example

  I've never worked with this software before, so it's uncharted territory for me.

• occupied territory

  an area that is controlled by a foreign military power

  Example

  The United Nations condemned the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israeli forces.

• home territory

  a place or situation where one feels comfortable and confident

  Example

  The basketball team had the advantage of playing on their home territory.

Origins of territory

from Latin 'terra', meaning 'earth'

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Summary: territory in Brief

The term 'territory' [ˈterətɔːri] refers to an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state, or an area defended by an animal or group of animals. It can also refer to a subject or activity one knows about or has control over. Examples include 'The country's northern territory is rich in natural resources,' and 'The wolf pack fiercely defends its territory from other packs.' Idioms like 'mark (out) one's territory' denote asserting ownership or dominance, while 'know one's way around (a particular territory)' implies familiarity.