Main Entry: jeal·ous

Pronunciation: \ˈje-ləs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English jelous, from Anglo-French gelus, from Vulgar Latin *zelosus, from Late Latin zelus zeal — more at zeal

Date: 13th century

1 a : intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness b : disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness
2 : hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage
3 : vigilant in guarding a possession <new colonies were jealous of their new independence — Scott Buchanan>

— jeal·ous·ly adverb

— jeal·ous·ness noun