Meaning & use
possessiveness
An excessive desire to control, dominate, or claim exclusive ownership of a person or thing.
See it in a sentence
His possessiveness over her time made it hard for her to see other friends.
The dog's possessiveness of its favorite toy led to a low growl whenever anyone approached.
A note on using this word
Possessiveness in relationships is usually viewed negatively, unlike ordinary care or attentiveness, because it involves control rather than concern.
Words with a similar meaning
jealousyclinginess
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
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