POSSESS Definition & Meaning

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possess

[ puh-zes ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to have as belonging to one; have as property; own:
to possess a house and a car.
to have as a faculty, quality, or the like:
to possess courage.
(of a spirit, especially an evil one) to occupy, dominate, or control (a person) from within:
He thought he was possessed by devils.
(of a feeling, idea, etc.) to dominate or actuate in the manner of such a spirit:
He was possessed by envy.
(of a man) to succeed in having sexual intercourse with.
to have knowledge of:
to possess a language.
to keep or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.) in a certain state, as of peace, patience, etc.
to maintain control over (oneself, one's mind, etc.).
to impart to; inform; familiarize (often followed by of or with ):
to possess someone of the facts of the case.
to cause to be dominated or influenced, as by an idea, feeling, etc.
to make (someone) owner, holder, or master, as of property, information, etc.:
He possessed them of the facts.
to seize or take.
to gain or win.
to occupy or hold.

possess

/ ��əˈ��ɛ�� /

verb

to have as one's property; own
to have as a quality, faculty, characteristic, etc
to possess good eyesight
to have knowledge or mastery of
to possess a little French
to gain control over or dominate
whatever possessed you to act so foolishly?
foll by of to cause to be the owner or possessor
I am possessed of the necessary information
often foll by with to cause to be influenced or dominated (by)
the news possessed him with anger
to have sexual intercourse with
rare.
to keep control over or maintain (oneself or one's feelings) in a certain state or condition
possess yourself in patience until I tell you the news
archaic.
to gain or seize

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Derived Forms

��ǲ�ˈ��ǰ�, noun

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Other �y��vlog Forms

��ǲ�·��s�ǰ� noun
��ǲ�·��s�ǰ�·ship noun
under·��ǲ�·��s�ǰ� noun
�ܲ�p�ǲ�·��i�Բ� adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of possess¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English possesen, from Middle French possess(i)er, noun derived from possession possession

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of possess¹

C15: from Old French possesser, from Latin ��ǲ��ŧ�� to own, occupy; related to Latin ��ŧ�� to sit

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Synonym Study

See have.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Alfie Franco, 20 from Kirkburton, in West Yorkshire, is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates' Court later charged with murder and possessing a knife in a public place.

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Has to be a doubt over whether this contender possesses the same ability and stamina as some of his rivals.

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Mr Whale told it that "the level of maturity I possessed as an individual at this time was clearly not one capable of managing the responsibility of the situation I had been placed in".

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But it is still legal to possess them.

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Despite hours of passionate testimony, the outcome was never really in question in a California Legislature where Democrats hold a supermajority and Republicans possess little power.

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