Territory
/ˈtɛr.ɪ.tɔːr.i/noun
An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state.
Did you know?The term originally referred to land that was 'terra' or 'earth', but it was also associated with the idea of protection against dangers, revealing a connection to fear and power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ter-
“to dry; to rub, to scare”
Latin
Latin
territorium
“land, a region; literally 'the land around', often associated with the idea of a place to defend”
Old French
Old French
territoire
“a region or district; land under jurisdiction”
Middle English
Middle English
territorie
“land held or claimed by a lord or ruler”
Modern English
English
territory
“defined area of land governed or owned, with historical ties to protection and fear”