prepossession

[ pree-puh-zesh-uhn ]

noun

1. the state of being prepossessed.
2. a prejudice, especially one in favor of a person or thing.

   Synonyms: interest, bias, liking, predilection

Other Words From

• prepos·session·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prepossession¹

First recorded in 1640–50; pre- + possession

Example Sentences

Louis paused and thought, and had not his prepossessions been so complete as they were, the plain truth which the valet told him might not have been unproductive of fruit.

From Project Gutenberg

Should you, therefore, behold another with the eye of prepossession, at least, regard Eliza as a sister, and give her a portion accordingly.

From Project Gutenberg

I may be foolish to do so--the prepossession may be false--the motives for such belief may be slight; but yet that belief is strong.

From Project Gutenberg

So great became the pressure of public opinion against the opposition offered to the measure by official prepossessions and prejudices that in 1838 the House of Commons appointed a committee to examine the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

A learning of the mind; propensity or prepossession toward an object or view, not leaving the mind indifferent; bent inclination.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bias