prepossess
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to possess or dominate mentally beforehand, as a prejudice does.
-
to prejudice or bias, especially favorably.
-
to impress favorably beforehand or at the outset.
verb
-
to preoccupy or engross mentally
-
to influence in advance for or against a person or thing; prejudice; bias
-
to make a favourable impression on beforehand
Etymology
Origin of prepossess
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.
His aim is to explore the Antarctic coast south of Australia and prepossess it for his dominion.
From Time Magazine Archive
His countenance wore a reckless look that did not serve to prepossess him with the people at whose mercy he stood.
From That Affair Next Door by Anna Katharine Green
“But still there have been great acts of cruelty committed; quite enough to prepossess us against you as a body.”
From Newton Forster The Merchant Service by Frederick Marryat
The curb-chain will probably be too tight, also the throat-lash; if so, loosen both, and with your own hands; it is a pleasant way of making acquaintance, and may perhaps prepossess him in your favour.
From Riding Recollections, 5th ed. by G. J. (George John) Whyte-Melville
It is good-breeding alone that can prepossess people in your favour at first sight, more time being necessary to discover greater talents.
From The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness Being a Complete Guide for a Gentleman's Conduct in all his Relations Towards Society by Cecil B. Hartley
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
