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possess
[puh-zes]
verb (used with object)
to have as belonging to one; have as property; own.
to possess a house and a car.
to have as a faculty, quality, or the like.
to possess courage.
(of a spirit, especially an evil one) to occupy, dominate, or control (a person) from within.
He thought he was possessed by devils.
(of a feeling, idea, etc.) to dominate or actuate in the manner of such a spirit.
He was possessed by envy.
(of a man) to succeed in having sexual intercourse with.
to have knowledge of.
to possess a language.
to keep or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.) in a certain state, as of peace, patience, etc.
to maintain control over (oneself, one's mind, etc.).
to impart to; inform; familiarize (often followed by of orwith ).
to possess someone of the facts of the case.
to cause to be dominated or influenced, as by an idea, feeling, etc.
to make (someone) owner, holder, or master, as of property, information, etc..
He possessed them of the facts.
to seize or take.
to gain or win.
to occupy or hold.
possess
/ pəˈzɛs /
verb
to have as one's property; own
to have as a quality, faculty, characteristic, etc
to possess good eyesight
to have knowledge or mastery of
to possess a little French
to gain control over or dominate
whatever possessed you to act so foolishly?
(foll by of) to cause to be the owner or possessor
I am possessed of the necessary information
(often foll by with) to cause to be influenced or dominated (by)
the news possessed him with anger
to have sexual intercourse with
rare, to keep control over or maintain (oneself or one's feelings) in a certain state or condition
possess yourself in patience until I tell you the news
archaic, to gain or seize
Other Word Forms
- possessor noun
- possessorship noun
- underpossessor noun
- unpossessing adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.
Agnes starts as a primal feminine force and then becomes a wife and mother possessing a fierce love for family, a love that will be sorely tested.
An MSP hosted a group of girl guides at the Scottish Parliament days after he was charged with possessing indecent images of children.
The 15-year-old, from near Market Drayton in Shropshire, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to possessing a butterfly knife, a stun gun, a baton and crossbow without supervision in November.
However he had been re-arrested on suspicion of possessing the phone in prison and was on bail ahead of a trial scheduled for 11 days after the shooting.
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