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