repossess

[ ree-puh-zes ]

verb (used with object)

1. to regain ownership of; to take back, especially for failure to make due payment:

   After the first few payments, the buyer defaulted on the contract, and we were forced to repossess the piano.

2. to give (someone) ownership of something again; restore something to (used with of ):

   In 1814, a coalition of European powers defeated Napoleon and repossessed the ousted Bourbons of their throne.

repossess

/ ˌriːpəˈzɛʃən; ˌriːpəˈzɛs /

verb

1. to take back possession of (property), esp for nonpayment of money due under a hire-purchase agreement
2. to restore ownership of (something) to someone

Derived Forms

• repossession, noun
• ˌreposˈsessor, noun

Other Words From

• re·pos·sess·a·ble adjective
• re·pos·ses·sion [ree-p, uh, -, zesh, -, uh, n], noun
• re·pos·ses·sor noun
• un·re·pos·sessed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of repossess¹

First recorded in 1485–95; re- + possess

Example Sentences

Later the large family bought a one-bedroom cottage where they all lived in one room before it was repossessed.

From BBC

Money is tight, the rented TV is about to be repossessed, Tony hasn’t paid the mortgage and Judy is half dead managing work and the household.

From Los Angeles Times

The 40-year-old’s family was made homeless after her private let was repossessed by a mortgage lender from her landlord.

From BBC

She was served a no-fault eviction, which allows landlords to repossess their properties even if there has been no problem with the tenant.

From BBC

For years, Riach and Rivas have made a living buying repossessed storage lockers and selling the contents online, at auction and at flea markets.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• retake