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

But still there have been great acts of cruelty committed; quite enough to prepossess us against you as a body.

From Project Gutenberg

His countenance wore a reckless look that did not serve to prepossess him with the people at whose mercy he stood.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, my appearance was by no means calculated to prepossess people in my favour.

From Project Gutenberg

His stay was not very long; not one of us divined the object of his visit, and he did not prepossess us favourably.

From Project Gutenberg

I am not going to prepossess you against even our village scold, by telling her name.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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