repossess

American  

[ree-puh-zes] / ˌri pəˈzɛs /

verb (used with object)

1. to regain ownership of; to take back, especially for failure to make due payment.

   After the first few payments, the buyer defaulted on the contract, and we were forced to repossess the piano.

2. to give (someone) ownership of something again; restore something to (used withof ).

   In 1814, a coalition of European powers defeated Napoleon and repossessed the ousted Bourbons of their throne.

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repossess British  

/ ˌriːpəˈzɛʃən, ˌriːpəˈzɛs /

verb

1. to take back possession of (property), esp for nonpayment of money due under a hire-purchase agreement

2. to restore ownership of (something) to someone

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Other Word Forms

• repossessable adjective
• repossession noun
• repossessor noun
• unrepossessed adjective

Etymology

Origin of repossess

First recorded in 1485–95; re- + possess

Example Sentences

Allowing the lender to repossess the vehicle is one option.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 29, 2025

He had been accompanied by a "senior and experienced sergeant" on Monday morning to "serve a court-approved warrant to repossess a home", Ms Adams said.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2025

She was served a no-fault eviction, which allows landlords to repossess their properties even if there has been no problem with the tenant.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2024

Hankey has said the goal is to stop loans from going bad, not repossess vehicles, which is costly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2024

He had explained to his supporters in a letter that he was so broke that the bank was trying to repossess his house.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

Related Words

• retake