possess

American  

[puh-zes] / pəˈzɛs /

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 orwith ).

   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.

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possess British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See have.

Other Word Forms

• possessor noun
• possessorship noun
• underpossessor noun
• unpossessing adjective

Etymology

Origin of possess

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

Explanation

To possess something is to have or own it. You can possess a physical object, you can possess a particular quality or skill, or you can possess control or influence over someone. Related words are possessive (describing those who hold onto people or things in a controlling way), and possessed, as in a person being possessed by an idea or even by a demon. This verb is from Middle French posséder "to own," from Latin possidēre, from potis "able, having the power" plus sedēre "to sit."

Example Sentences

Jade Tubb, Nikolli's partner, of Walsall, also admitted conspiracy to possess criminal property and was handed a 12-month sentence, which was suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Gulf Cooperation Council states such as the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia possess significant naval and air forces of their own.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Although Japan had the better of proceedings at Hampden, Hendry and McKenna dealt with balls into the box, while the pace they both possess is a valuable commodity in international football.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

It was thought to possess about 1,000 pounds of it before last June’s attack; the country probably still has hundreds of pounds.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

I no longer possess the courage of my pessimism.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

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