possess

[ puh-zes ]

verb (used with object)

1. to have as belonging to one; have as property; own:

   to possess a house and a car.

2. to have as a faculty, quality, or the like:

   to possess courage.

3. (of a spirit, especially an evil one) to occupy, dominate, or control (a person) from within:

   He thought he was possessed by devils.

4. (of a feeling, idea, etc.) to dominate or actuate in the manner of such a spirit:

   He was possessed by envy.

5. (of a man) to succeed in having sexual intercourse with.
6. to have knowledge of:

   to possess a language.

7. to keep or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.) in a certain state, as of peace, patience, etc.
8. to maintain control over (oneself, one's mind, etc.).
9. to impart to; inform; familiarize (often followed by of or with ):

   to possess someone of the facts of the case.

10. to cause to be dominated or influenced, as by an idea, feeling, etc.
11. to make (someone) owner, holder, or master, as of property, information, etc.:

    He possessed them of the facts.

12. to seize or take.
13. to gain or win.
14. to occupy or hold.

possess

/ pəˈzɛs /

verb

1. to have as one's property; own
2. to have as a quality, faculty, characteristic, etc

   to possess good eyesight

3. to have knowledge or mastery of

   to possess a little French

4. to gain control over or dominate

   whatever possessed you to act so foolishly?

5. foll by of to cause to be the owner or possessor

   I am possessed of the necessary information

6. often foll by with to cause to be influenced or dominated (by)

   the news possessed him with anger

7. to have sexual intercourse with
8. 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

9. archaic.
   to gain or seize

Derived Forms

• posˈsessor, noun

Other Words From

• pos·sessor noun
• pos·sessor·ship noun
• under·pos·sessor noun
• unpos·sessing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of possess¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English possesen, from Middle French possess(i)er, noun derived from possession possession

Word History and Origins

Origin of possess¹

C15: from Old French possesser, from Latin possidēre to own, occupy; related to Latin sedēre to sit

Synonym Study

See have.

Example Sentences

With imprisoned Feathers possessing alarmingly honed hacking skills, however, sinister doings will soon be afoot.

From Los Angeles Times

An amateur magician himself, Carson possessed a quick and cutting wit, but in keeping it restrained, he clarified his greatest gift.

From New York Times

In March 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Gaulden, accusing the musician of possessing an unregistered firearm and “possession of firearms by a convicted felon” in connection to a 2020 case.

From Los Angeles Times

But, the Dodgers might as well try nonetheless, since they possess the competitive track record and financial resources to be one of Soto’s few realistic landing spots this offseason.

From Los Angeles Times

“Leonardo, for his time, possesses the most knowledge in the world,” one expert explains.

From New York Times

Related Words

• acquire
• carry
• enjoy
• maintain
• occupy
• own
• retain
• seize