possessed
Americanadjective
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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.
-
self-possessed; poised.
idioms
adjective
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(foll by of) owning or having
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(usually postpositive) under the influence of a powerful force, such as a spirit or strong emotion
-
a less common word for self-possessed
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of possessed
Explanation
Someone who's possessed is completely controlled by some force. If you've ever seen a crazed sports fan screaming with joy for the winning team, you've seen a person possessed with team spirit. While possessed is the past tense of the verb possess, to have, it most often describes someone who's obsessed with something. The controlling force can be an emotion, like when your friend is possessed by her infatuation with her favorite pop star. It can also be a supernatural power or demon — possessed describes someone you believe is truly controlled by an evil spirit, or someone who just acts that way.
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.
Along with the backward-curving cusps that helped it catch aquatic prey, the animal possessed specialized canine teeth with three roots, a distinctive feature that surprised the researchers.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026
"The idea of a possessed and frightening mom, played by Jessica Chastain, is attracting audiences and should work around the world, before poor word-of-mouth catches up with it."
From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2026
The plea agreement referenced at least two other victims, including one identified as E.Z., who Iza believed possessed a laptop containing large amount of cryptocurrency.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026
Natalie Gallagher, the narrator of Sarah Anderson’s darkly comic debut, “Fallow,” has never possessed anything like a sterling work ethic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
She still couldn’t say what exactly had possessed her, how she had let herself get so hungry.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
