Definition of possessive

The word "possessive" has its roots in the Latin word "possessus," which means "held" or "possessed." This Latin word is the past participle of the verb "possidere," which means "to hold" or "to possess." In Middle English (circa 13th-15th centuries), the word "possessive" emerged as an adjective to describe something that has a sense of ownership or control. Initially, it was used to describe a person's emotional attachment or longing to possess something, rather than their literal ownership of it. Over time, the meaning of "possessive" expanded to include the connotation of being overly attached or jealous of someone or something, often to the point of being controlling or possessive. Today, the term "possessive" is commonly used to describe behaviors that are perceived as excessive or unhealthy.