possession

[puh-zesh-uhn]

noun

1. the act or fact of possessing.

   Synonyms: occupation, tenure

2. the state of being possessed.

3. ownership.

4. Law.,  actual holding or occupancy, either with or without rights of ownership.

5. a thing possessed.

   He packed all his possessions into one trunk.

6. possessions, property or wealth.

7. a territorial dominion of a state.

8. Sports.

   1. physical control of the ball or puck by a player or team.

      He didn't have full possession when he was tackled.

   2. the right of a team to put the ball into play.

      They had possession after the other team sank a free throw.

9. control over oneself, one's mind, etc.

10. domination, actuation, or obsession by a feeling, idea, etc.

11. the feeling or idea itself.

possession

/ pəˈzɛʃən /

noun

1. the act of possessing or state of being possessed

   in possession of the crown

2. anything that is owned or possessed

3. (plural) wealth or property

4. the state of being controlled or dominated by or as if by evil spirits

5. the physical control or occupancy of land, property, etc, whether or not accompanied by ownership

   to take possession of a house

6. a territory subject to a foreign state or to a sovereign prince

   colonial possessions

7. sport control of the ball, puck, etc, as exercised by a player or team

   he lost possession in his own half

Other Word Forms

• nonpossession noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of possession¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin possessiōn-, stem of possessiō “occupancy, act of occupying,” from possess(us) “occupied” (past participle of possidēre “to have in one's control, occupy,” from pos-, combining form of pot(is) “able” + -sidēre, combining form of sedēre “to sit”) + -iō -ion; host ¹, sit ¹

Synonym Study

See custody.

Example Sentences

Two plays later, Baltimore running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns, fumbled the ball away to give Buffalo possession on the Ravens’ 30.

From Los Angeles Times

They show that, over the past 16 years, England's possession has increased in World Cup qualifiers.

From BBC

On the ensuing possession, Rams defensive lineman Tyler Davis sacked C.J.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, Riley went right back to Jordan on the next possession and the running back delivered, as USC rolled down the field on a scoring drive behind 41 yards from the junior.

From Los Angeles Times

Australia had enjoyed 63% possession, and England had had to make 69 more tackles than their opponents.

From BBC

Related Words

• custody