possessed

[ puh-zest ]

adjective

1. spurred or moved by a strong feeling, madness, or a supernatural power (often followed by by, of, or with ):

   The army fought as if possessed. The village believed her to be possessed of the devil.

2. self-possessed; poised.

possessed

/ pəˈzɛst /

adjective

1. foll by of owning or having
2. usually postpositive under the influence of a powerful force, such as a spirit or strong emotion
3. a less common word for self-possessed

Other Words From

• pos·sess·ed·ly [p, uh, -, zes, -id-lee, -, zest, -lee], adverb
• pos·sessed·ness noun
• nonpos·sessed adjective
• unpos·sessed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of possessed¹

First recorded in 1525–35; possess + -ed ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. possessed of, having; possessing:

   He is possessed of intelligence and ambition.

Example Sentences

His friends describe him as a charismatic orator, who spoke softly and possessed wells of energy for the issues he cared about most.

From Salon

Thune, an amiable 63-year-old more comfortable talking about the Senate calendar than he is castigating his opposition as demonically possessed, gave his best shot at an opening partisan broadside in a press conference after the Senate GOP conclave.

From Slate

Many of his voters may have possessed false nostalgia about his first term and false assumptions that his policies would not primarily enrich the wealthiest among us.

From Salon

Indeed, Jefferson deemed the African-American poet Phillis Wheatley’s work “beneath the dignity of criticism” and asserted that Black astronomer Benjamin Banneker possessed only “a mind of very common stature.”

From Salon

In one pivotal scene, she even becomes a woman possessed, her mind and body taken over by forces beyond her control.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consumed
• enchanted
• haunted