possess
verb (used with object)
to have as belonging to one; have as property; own.
is possessing
-
present progressiveof possess (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lynch pointed to rifles being used to shoot coyotes that are attacking sheep, but more important, he said, is possessing a gun for criminal deterrence.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 24, 2023
One change that’s drawn outsized attention is a reduction in the maximum penalty for being a “felon in possession”—that is, possessing a gun when you have a prior felony conviction.
From Slate ● Jan. 21, 2023
In comments published by state media Sunday, Kim called the Hwasong-17 “the world’s strongest strategic weapon” and said his country’s ultimate goal is possessing “the world’s most powerful strategic force.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 27, 2022
England has 12 shots to Tunisia’s 4 and is possessing the ball 60 percent of the time.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 18, 2018
Do we not plainly see that Israel is possessing “the isles of the sea,” “coasts of the earth,” “waste and desolate places?”
From The Lost Ten Tribes, and 1882 by Joseph Wild
