prepossess
Americanverb (used with object)
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to possess or dominate mentally beforehand, as a prejudice does.
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to prejudice or bias, especially favorably.
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to impress favorably beforehand or at the outset.
verb
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to preoccupy or engross mentally
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to influence in advance for or against a person or thing; prejudice; bias
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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
From that time Herbert came to our house daily and knew how to prepossess my sick father so well, that father finally felt a desire for the union himself.
From The Sign of Flame by Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers)
Prepossess′ing, tending to prepossess in one's favour: making a favourable impression.—adv.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various
In fact, my appearance was by no means calculated to prepossess people in my favour.
From The Bible in Spain Vol. 1 [of 2] by Borrow, George Henry
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 Hartley, Cecil B.
Definitions 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.
