Hoarding is spelled /ˈhɔːrdɪŋ/. The word consists of two syllables: "hoard" and "-ing". The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɔː/, as in "four". The second syllable begins with the consonant sound /n/ and ends with the vowel sound /ɪŋ/, which is pronounced as "ing" in the word "ring". Hoarding refers to the act of acquiring and storing excessive quantities of items or possessions, often resulting in cluttered and disorganized living spaces.
Hoarding, as a noun, refers to the act or behavior of collecting, accumulating, or amassing an excessive amount or quantity of possessions, typically items or objects that are considered unnecessary or no longer useful. It involves a strong tendency or compulsion to acquire and retain items, often resulting in cluttered living spaces. Hoarding usually brings about a sense of attachment, sentimentality, or perceived necessity towards these possessions, making it difficult for individuals to discard or let go of them.
Hoarding, as a psychological disorder, falls under Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is characterized by persistent difficulties in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value, accompanied by extreme distress or distressing thoughts associated with discarding. The hoarding behavior can significantly impair an individual's daily functioning, personal relationships, and overall quality of life.
Hoarding can manifest in various forms and severity levels, from mild to severe. It often leads to excessive clutter in living spaces, making them unmanageable and unsafe. The accumulation of possessions in hoarding can range from household items, clothing, books, magazines, and newspapers to potentially hazardous materials or non-functional objects.
In summary, hoarding refers to the excessive and compulsive collecting and retaining of possessions, often resulting in cluttered and unsafe living environments. Psychological distress, attachment, and difficulty in discarding items are key characteristics of hoarding behavior.
• The habit or practice of secreting money or treasure.
• A timber fence enclosing builders while at work; a fence about any building while erecting or under repair.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "hoarding" has its origins in the Old English word "hordian", which means "to treasure" or "to treasure up". This word is derived from the Old Norse word "hvarða", which means "to guard" or "to watch over". Over time, the meaning of the term "hoarding" evolved to refer to the act of accumulating or collecting an excessive amount of something, often to the point of keeping it hidden away or guarded.