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

/ ˌriːpəˈzɛs; ˌriːpəˈzɛʃən /

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

Russia, he suggested, is simply trying to repossess a now independent colony.

From Time

The solution is to post a bond that they would forfeit, or sign a note that empowers the creditor to repossess the house or car.

From Nautilus

He can repossess himself, if this can be done peaceably, otherwise he must bring an action for the purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not think that I am less impatient now than formerly to repossess—to entirely engross—my own treasured love.

From Project Gutenberg

"He has the same right to repossess his slave here as in his own State;" the same right to kill him if he attempts to escape!

From Project Gutenberg

And up he climbed again, thrust in his arm to the shoulder, and managed to repossess himself a fifth time of that blessed crock.

From Project Gutenberg

And his longing to get rid of her changed, like a flash of lightning, into a passionate yearning to repossess her, dead.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• retake