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

In a letter to Lord Mandelson, two Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee said it is "clear" the former British ambassador to the US "possessed extensive social and business ties" to Epstein.

From BBC

When Ben Rosenfeld started working as a residential assistant at a Stanford University dorm, he encountered 77 freshmen possessed by an “all-consuming” force.

From The Wall Street Journal

If the team that first possessed the ball in overtime scored a touchdown on that drive, that team won.

From Los Angeles Times

Eager to protect their own profession, male practitioners—from physicians to male midwives—portrayed women as ignorant and sure to do harm or, conversely, possessed of “dangerous” knowledge.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the qualities it upholds are as worthy as ever, and someone once thought I possessed them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• consumed
• enchanted
• haunted