possess

possess Definition

pos·sess (pə zes′)

transitive verb

to hold as property or occupy in person; have as something that belongs to one; own
to have as an attribute, quality, faculty, etc. to possess wisdom
to have knowledge or mastery of (a language, etc.)
to gain strong influence or control over; dominate possessed by an idea
to keep control over or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.)
to have sexual intercourse with (a woman)
to put (someone) in possession of property, facts, etc.; cause to have something specified: usually with of
Archaic to seize or win

Etymology: LME < MFr possessier < L possessus, pp. of possidere, to possess < pos-, contr. < potis, able (see potent) + sedere, to sit

possess Related Forms

pos·ses′·sor noun

possess Synonyms

hold, occupy, control; see maintain 3, own 1.

possess Usage Examples

Object

firearm: He was arrested by police on Thursday night on suspicion of possessing a firearm.
weapon: The mere fact that the tenth rate Iraqi army " may " possess chemical weapons is not nearly reason enough.
qualification: We do not require applicants to possess a qualification or experience in makeup to join the retail sales teams within our stores.
cannabis: These licenses allow the Group to cultivate, produce, supply and possess cannabis for the purpose of medical research.
ability: The leaders of each nation possess the ability to master their native element.
knowledge: However, they must possess a good enough knowledge of the English language to enable them to follow the courses taught at the University.

Subject

Noun phrase with adjective complement

such: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is very important for people to possess household equipment such as refrigerators and TVs.

Adjective complement

many: And he possessed many of the attributes which all good leaders, especially religious leaders, should set their sights on.

Modifying Another Word

already: All students must either already possess appropriate research skills or must attend a research skills course during the first part of the academic year.
undoubtedly: It grants sovereignty a history it does not have, and denies interdependence a history it undoubtedly possesses.
ideally: You will ideally possess a PhD in Mathematics or Science with relevance to education.
longer: The spokesman said U.N. weapons inspectors affirmed that Iraq no longer possessed biological weapons or any other banned weapons.
normally: Entry requirements Students will normally possess a degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
indeed: The Shaven Crown does indeed possess its share of supernatural lore, attached particularly to Room 11.

Used with why or when

what: Codes and the Prefix Property Any code used for transmitting information must possess what is called the prefix property.

Preposition: in

order: He sold all that he or his church possessed in order to ransom prisoners of the Arian King.

Preposition: of

wit: Outspoken and possessed of a quick wit she became well known for the weekend gatherings at Cliveden, the Astor family home.

Preposition: by

possess Quotes

Ce n'est pas assez pour moi de la posse¤ der,je veux qu'elle se livre. It's not enough to possess her. I want her to abandon herself.

—Laclos, Pierre-Ambroise Choderlos de

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