verb

possess

puh-ZEHS

verb

To have or own something.

"She possesses a rare talent for languages."

"He was found to possess several stolen items."

Of a supernatural force, to take control of a person's body or mind.

"In the film, a demon possesses the young girl."

To dominate someone's thoughts or behavior strongly.

"A strange fear seemed to possess him whenever he entered the building."

How to Use Possess

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo own or have something, or (in the supernatural sense) to take total control of someone.

Common pairings

possess a quality possessed by a demon

Word Forms

possessed past tense, possesst past tense, possest past tense, possess plural, possessed plural, possesses singular, possess singular, possessed singular, possessest singular, possessedst singular, possesseth singular

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She _____ a rare talent for languages.

Etymology

From Latin possidere, combining potis ("able, master") and sedere ("to sit"), suggesting the idea of being firmly settled in ownership.

Synonyms

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have hold own

Antonyms

go without lose

Related Words

abandon accumulate achieve win lose deem break eat

Rhymes for possess

repossess

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