possessed

American  

[puh-zest] / pəˈzɛst /

adjective

1. spurred or moved by a strong feeling, madness, or a supernatural power (often followed by by, of, orwith ).

   The army fought as if possessed. The village believed her to be possessed of the devil.

2. self-possessed; poised.

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idioms

1. possessed of, having; possessing.

   He is possessed of intelligence and ambition.

possessed British  

/ pəˈzɛst /

adjective

1. (foll by of) owning or having

2. (usually postpositive) under the influence of a powerful force, such as a spirit or strong emotion

3. a less common word for self-possessed

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Other Word Forms

• nonpossessed adjective
• possessedly adverb
• possessedness noun
• unpossessed adjective

Etymology

Origin of possessed

First recorded in 1525–35; possess + -ed ²

Example Sentences

If the cottonmouths hadn’t been enraged before, they were now, determined to destroy the possessed branch that had just bludgeoned three of their friends.

From Literature

Helicopters, dog squads and reinforcements from New Zealand were dispatched to help track Freeman, who reportedly possessed strong bushcraft and outdoor survival skills.

From Barron's

However, M855 ammunition made for the U.S. military is packaged differently and cannot be possessed by or sold to the public.

From Los Angeles Times

"But I lit up. It was like I was possessed. I knew I had to get on that plane."

From BBC

"It is clear that you possessed social and business ties to Mr Epstein and have knowledge of information that can assist our investigation," it went on.

From BBC

Related Words

• consumed
• enchanted
• haunted