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prepossess

American  
[pree-puh-zes] / ˌpri pəˈzɛs /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of prepossess

First recorded in 1605–15; pre- + possess

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His aim is to explore the Antarctic coast south of Australia and prepossess it for his dominion.

From Time Magazine Archive

This did not prepossess her any more in favor of Luke Walton, whom she regarded as the rival and enemy of her son.

From Luke Walton by Alger, Horatio

Neither did the puff preliminary, which heralded the appearance of this volume, prepossess us strongly in its favour.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846 by Various

The curb-chain will probably be too tight, also the throat-lash; if so, loosen both, and with your own hands; it is a pleasant way of making acquaintance, and may perhaps prepossess him in your favour.

From Riding Recollections, 5th ed. by Whyte-Melville, G. J. (George John)

The effect of it steals into his manner, and gait, and gives him an air of presenting himself, that is sure to prepossess in his favor.

From A Treatise on the Art of Dancing by Gallini, Giovanni-Andrea