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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

The neighbourhood of Badajoz did not prepossess me much in favour of the country which I had just entered. 

From The Bible in Spain Vol. 1 [of 2] by Borrow, George Henry

From this company, most of whom conduct themselves in manner which fails to prepossess us, Mrs. Beauchamp Brown alone emerges with a distinct identity.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 26, October, 1880 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)

She presented me, with great formality, to a youth, whose appearance did not greatly prepossess me in favour of his judgement.

From Ormond, Volume III (of 3) or, The Secret Witness by Brown, Charles Brockden