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possess definition

pos·sess (pə zes′)

transitive verb

  1. to hold as property or occupy in person; have as something that belongs to one; own
  2. to have as an attribute, quality, faculty, etc. to possess wisdom
  3. to have knowledge or mastery of (a language, etc.)
  4. to gain strong influence or control over; dominate possessed by an idea
  5. to keep control over or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.)
  6. to have sexual intercourse with (a woman)
  7. to put (someone) in possession of property, facts, etc.; cause to have something specified: usually with of
  8. 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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

possess Synonyms

possess

v.

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


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

possess Usage Examples

Object

  • firearm: He was arrested by police on Thursday night on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

Subject

  • spirit: These children are considered to be " possessed by evil spirits " .

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.

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

  • spirit: These children are considered to be " possessed by evil spirits " .
possess usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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

possess quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"possess." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/possess>

APA Style

possess. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/possess

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