possession

[ puh-zesh-uhn ]

noun

1. the act or fact of possessing.

   Synonyms: occupation, tenure

2. the state of being possessed.
3. ownership.
4. Law. actual holding or occupancy, either with or without rights of ownership.
5. a thing possessed:

   He packed all his possessions into one trunk.

6. possessions, property or wealth.
7. a territorial dominion of a state.
8. Sports.
   1. physical control of the ball or puck by a player or team:

      He didn't have full possession when he was tackled.

   2. the right of a team to put the ball into play:

      They had possession after the other team sank a free throw.

9. control over oneself, one's mind, etc.
10. domination, actuation, or obsession by a feeling, idea, etc.
11. the feeling or idea itself.

possession

/ pəˈzɛʃən /

noun

1. the act of possessing or state of being possessed

   in possession of the crown

2. anything that is owned or possessed
3. plural wealth or property
4. the state of being controlled or dominated by or as if by evil spirits
5. the physical control or occupancy of land, property, etc, whether or not accompanied by ownership

   to take possession of a house

6. a territory subject to a foreign state or to a sovereign prince

   colonial possessions

7. sport control of the ball, puck, etc, as exercised by a player or team

   he lost possession in his own half

Other Words From

• nonpos·session noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of possession¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin possessiōn-, stem of possessiō “occupancy, act of occupying,” from possess(us) “occupied” (past participle of possidēre “to have in one's control, occupy,” from pos-, combining form of pot(is) “able” + -sidēre, combining form of sedēre “to sit”) + -iō -ion; host ¹, sit ¹

Synonym Study

See custody.

Example Sentences

Dominance at the scrum set up Louw for the fourth before Wales finally responded with a rare spell of possession on the stroke of half-time.

From BBC

One person has since been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and violent disorder.

From BBC

Comparing this season to last, Villa’s average possession in the Premier League over the first quarter of the season has dropped from 52.8% to 50.5%, while their passes completed and progressive passes have also declined.

From BBC

He'd be down in sixth for interceptions, but City often dominate possession.

From BBC

Bellamy has also instilled an exciting new style of play - bold and creative on the ball, tenacious and relentless out of possession.

From BBC

Related Words

• custody