1. in a way that shows an excessive desire to own or control someone or something

Examples

• She held onto her boyfriend’s arm possessively at the party.
• The child clutched his toy possessively when other kids approached.
• He spoke possessively about his vintage car collection.
• The dog guarded its food bowl possessively.
• She possessively monitored her daughter’s social media accounts.
• The artist possessively protected his creative work from criticism.