Hoarding
/ˈhɔːrdɪŋ/
Definitions
- (n.) The unlawful accumulation or stockpiling of goods, often during emergencies, to restrict supply and control prices.
The company was fined for hoarding essential medical supplies during the crisis.
- (n.) The act of accumulating and retaining personal property excessively, potentially to the point of creating health or safety hazards and warranting legal intervention.
The court ordered intervention due to the defendant's dangerous hoarding of items in the home.
Commentary
Legal contexts distinguish hoarding related to market manipulation from hoarding as a public health or safety concern; definitions vary accordingly.