prepossess

[ pree-puh-zes ]

verb (used with object)

1. to possess or dominate mentally beforehand, as a prejudice does.
2. to prejudice or bias, especially favorably.
3. to impress favorably beforehand or at the outset.

prepossess

/ ˌpriːpəˈzɛs /

verb

1. to preoccupy or engross mentally
2. to influence in advance for or against a person or thing; prejudice; bias
3. to make a favourable impression on beforehand

Word History and Origins

Origin of prepossess¹

First recorded in 1605–15; pre- + possess

Example Sentences

M. Krempe was a little squat man with a gruff voice and a repulsive countenance; the teacher, therefore, did not prepossess me in favour of his pursuits.

From Literature

Despite so many circumstances to prepossess him in favor of the Americans, he appears not a very ardent admirer of what he witnesses about him.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a Frenchman, and I must say that I have always liked the French, and never the Spaniards; there is in the manners of the first something so engaging, so obliging, that you feel attracted towards them as towards a friend, whilst an air of unbecoming haughtiness gives to the second a dark, forbidding countenance which certainly does not prepossess in their favour.

From Project Gutenberg

It is good-breeding alone that can prepossess people in your favour at first sight, more time being necessary to discover greater talents.

From Project Gutenberg

To incline to one side; to give a particular direction to; to influence; to prejudice; to prepossess.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bias
• distort
• harm
• hinder
• impair
• poison
• predispose
• prejudge
• skew
• slant
• sway
• undermine
• vitiate