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

Helicopters, dog squads and reinforcements from New Zealand were dispatched to help track Freeman, who reportedly possessed strong bushcraft and outdoor survival skills.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Salah possessed the selfish, ruthless streak that is common among all the greats, but the assists figure alone demonstrates he was also a team contributor.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

He possessed the foundational knowledge of Islam without the advanced and independent reasoning – ijtihad – required for an ayatollah.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

Western officials have estimated that Iran possessed well over 2,000 missiles capable of reaching the Gulf nations at the outset of this round of fighting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

The Second Grinnell Expedition’s “intrepid” crew was under the leadership of what New York’s Daily Herald called, “the indefatigable perseverance and indomitable courage” possessed by its thirty-three-year-old naval surgeon and commander.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• consumed
• enchanted
• haunted