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possess
[puh-zes]
verb (used with object)
to have as belonging to one; have as property; own.
to possess a house and a car.
to have as a faculty, quality, or the like.
to possess courage.
(of a spirit, especially an evil one) to occupy, dominate, or control (a person) from within.
He thought he was possessed by devils.
(of a feeling, idea, etc.) to dominate or actuate in the manner of such a spirit.
He was possessed by envy.
(of a man) to succeed in having sexual intercourse with.
to have knowledge of.
to possess a language.
to keep or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.) in a certain state, as of peace, patience, etc.
to maintain control over (oneself, one's mind, etc.).
to impart to; inform; familiarize (often followed by of orwith ).
to possess someone of the facts of the case.
to cause to be dominated or influenced, as by an idea, feeling, etc.
to make (someone) owner, holder, or master, as of property, information, etc..
He possessed them of the facts.
to seize or take.
to gain or win.
to occupy or hold.
possess
/ pəˈzɛs /
verb
to have as one's property; own
to have as a quality, faculty, characteristic, etc
to possess good eyesight
to have knowledge or mastery of
to possess a little French
to gain control over or dominate
whatever possessed you to act so foolishly?
(foll by of) to cause to be the owner or possessor
I am possessed of the necessary information
(often foll by with) to cause to be influenced or dominated (by)
the news possessed him with anger
to have sexual intercourse with
rare, to keep control over or maintain (oneself or one's feelings) in a certain state or condition
possess yourself in patience until I tell you the news
archaic, to gain or seize
Other Word Forms
- possessor noun
- possessorship noun
- underpossessor noun
- unpossessing adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
And while I’m not going to say they’re the same movie — the Crawleys are never literally attacked by a possessed mirror, for example — the similarities are surprisingly striking.
But the movie also possesses an urgency that simply cannot be ignored.
"The question is not whether the accused are wizards or actually possess supernatural powers. It is whether they represented themselves as such, and the evidence clearly shows they did," Magistrate Mayambu said.
"He looked possessed. He didn't look human. I saw him stab someone in front of me and realised that he was going to hurt us all."
Harris possesses significant personal wealth and multiple properties, giving her the financial means to arrange private security rather than relying on taxpayer-funded protection.
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