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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 or with ):
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
Derived Forms
- posˈsessor, noun
Other Words From
- pos·sessor noun
- pos·sessor·ship noun
- under·pos·sessor noun
- unpos·sessing adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
For the companies that didn’t participate, it raises the concern that they might possess information that indicates the toxic metals in their foods might be even higher than their competitors.
A just society must be consciously constructed by citizens possessing certain virtues.
Not only does it have a spike protein mutation that could lead to a higher infection rate, it possesses what’s called an “escape mutation.”
They also possess their own first- and second-round draft choices.
By implication, Earth must therefore possess some climate-stabilising feedbacks but at the same time good fortune must also have been involved in it staying habitable.
As a white, educated, Western, middle-class male, I possess most of the unearned privilege the world has to offer.
That thing we seemed to possess was not the other, but an image of them we formed—they themselves are still free.
I know that many people do not feel they possess their partners and lovers.
In fact, the original Burroughs books possess a clear “green” streak that now seems quite prescient.
The Fish and Wildlife officer told him that it was illegal to possess a protected species or a raptor.
Any one may possess the portrait of a tragedian without exciting suspicion or comment.
Not a dollar did he possess—not even did he have a suit of clothes any more, and wore every day his corduroys.
My entrails were troubled in seeking her: therefore shall I possess a good possession.
"Doa Estefania, have no fear; you possess an infallible preservative," exclaimed the cappellan.
Tausig, in my opinion, did possess exceptional genius in composition, though he left but few works behind him to attest it.
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