51Թ

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View synonyms for

possess

[puh-zes]

verb (used with object)

  1. to have as belonging to one; have as property; own.

    to possess a house and a car.

  2. to have as a faculty, quality, or the like.

    to possess courage.

  3. (of a spirit, especially an evil one) to occupy, dominate, or control (a person) from within.

    He thought he was possessed by devils.

  4. (of a feeling, idea, etc.) to dominate or actuate in the manner of such a spirit.

    He was possessed by envy.

  5. (of a man) to succeed in having sexual intercourse with.

  6. to have knowledge of.

    to possess a language.

  7. to keep or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.) in a certain state, as of peace, patience, etc.

  8. to maintain control over (oneself, one's mind, etc.).

  9. to impart to; inform; familiarize (often followed by of orwith ).

    to possess someone of the facts of the case.

  10. to cause to be dominated or influenced, as by an idea, feeling, etc.

  11. to make (someone) owner, holder, or master, as of property, information, etc..

    He possessed them of the facts.

  12. to seize or take.

  13. to gain or win.

  14. to occupy or hold.



possess

/ əˈɛ /

verb

  1. to have as one's property; own

  2. to have as a quality, faculty, characteristic, etc

    to possess good eyesight

  3. to have knowledge or mastery of

    to possess a little French

  4. to gain control over or dominate

    whatever possessed you to act so foolishly?

  5. (foll by of) to cause to be the owner or possessor

    I am possessed of the necessary information

  6. (often foll by with) to cause to be influenced or dominated (by)

    the news possessed him with anger

  7. to have sexual intercourse with

  8. rareto 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

  9. archaicto gain or seize

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • possessor noun
  • possessorship noun
  • underpossessor noun
  • unpossessing adjective
  • Dzˈǰ noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of possess1

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English possesen, from Middle French possess(i)er, noun derived from possession possession
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of possess1

C15: from Old French possesser, from Latin Dzŧ to own, occupy; related to Latin ŧ to sit
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Synonym Study

See have.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It's not only his left foot that leaves others fascinated, but also the mentality he already possesses.

From

Nobody outside Iran wants the Islamic Republic to possess the nuclear bomb.

From

"You cannot question the qualities he possesses and the attitude he has in terms of wanting to do anything to win."

From

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a weapon, while two others were held on suspicion of drugs offences and theft.

From

On Wednesday, prosecutors also announced charges of possessing a destructive device against Wrackkie Quiogue, 27, of Long Beach, and accused two other men of misdemeanor assault against a federal officer.

From

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posserpossessed