possessed

[ puh-zest ]

adjective

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

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

2. self-possessed; poised.

possessed

/ 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. See self-possessed
   a less common word for self-possessed

Other Words From

• pos·sess·ed·ly [p, uh, -, zes, -id-lee, -, zest, -lee], adverb
• pos·sessed·ness noun
• nonpos·sessed adjective
• unpos·sessed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of possessed¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. possessed of, having; possessing:

   He is possessed of intelligence and ambition.

Example Sentences

Be reliable supports of the Songun revolution possessed of a lofty spirit and rich knowledge!

From The Daily Beast

They possessed “wisdom beyond their years,” observed The Advocate.

From The Daily Beast

We should remember that holy men have always possessed good noses for wine.

From The Daily Beast

For both the possessed and the priest-practitioner, driving out the devil can be dangerous to mind, body and spirit.

From The Daily Beast

Seemingly possessed by demons, she would slip objects from the homes of rich people they visited into her pocketbook.

From The Daily Beast

The children possessed themselves of the tent, and Mrs. Pontellier went over to join them.

From Project Gutenberg

Tausig possessed this repose in a technical way, and his touch was marvellous; but he never drew the tears to your eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Aunt Ri, at her best estate, had never possessed a room which had the expression of this poor little mud hut of Ramona's.

From Project Gutenberg

He had not taken his nerves into consideration for the simple reason that he had never known that he possessed any.

From Project Gutenberg

Jean Baptiste possessed great personality, and to be near one was to effect that one with it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• consumed
• enchanted
• haunted