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possess
[ puh-zes ]
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
/ əˈɛ /
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
Derived Forms
- Dzˈǰ, noun
Other Word Forms
- Dz·sǰ noun
- Dz·sǰ·ship noun
- under·Dz·sǰ noun
- ܲpDz·iԲ adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Word History and Origins
Origin of possess1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years in June 2022 after a jury convicted him of offences including grievous bodily harm and possessing firearms with intent to endanger life.
“ qualities do those species possess that allow them to persist or even thrive in the face of development, while these other species blink out?” he said.
The Democrats and the so-called Resistance possess no comparable answer, brand, or competing message.
From 1 June, it will be illegal for businesses in the UK to sell, supply or possess single-use vapes for sale.
While, like Diana, she has exponentially more charisma than the average royal, Meghan doesn't possess the late princess' messy vulnerability.
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