WordGarden.iopossess
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pəzˈɛs/
US
- /pəˈzɛs/
Meanings
Verb
to own, hold, or have control of something
to have a quality, ability, or feature
to control someone as a spirit, demon, or supernatural force
More meaningsFewer meanings
to dominate or overwhelm someone's mind or feelings
Beyond the definition
To possess something is more than just having it. It often means owning it, holding it, or having power over it. You might possess a beautiful antique clock, meaning it belongs to you. But a person can also be possessed by an idea, a feeling, or a spirit, meaning it takes over their mind or actions. Think of a pirate captain with treasure, or a ghost story where someone is "possessed." It is a strong word that can talk about both real things and unseen forces.
The word "possess" carries more weight than simply having something. At its core, it means to own, hold, or control something, whether that is a physical object, a personal quality, or something less concrete. "She possesses a rare talent for painting" suggests that she has a natural ability that sets her apart.
However, "possess" is not limited to tangible things. You can possess knowledge ("He possesses extensive knowledge of history"), qualities ("She possesses great courage"), or even be overtaken by an emotion ("Jealousy possessed him"). This is where the word becomes especially interesting: it can also describe a state in which someone is controlled by something.
Think about the phrase "possessed by demons" from horror stories. It doesn't mean the person owns the demons, but rather that they are completely dominated and controlled by them. Similarly, someone might say they are "possessed by grief," meaning their sorrow consumes them.
Historically, "possess" comes through Old French from a Latin root connected with having or occupying. That older sense of holding or owning something is still central to its meaning today.
So whether it is a treasured heirloom, a remarkable skill, or an overwhelming emotion, "possess" usually points to one of two ideas: having something as your own, or being taken over by something that has a strong hold on you.
Examples
- 1
Requirements
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license.
- 2
Legal context
It is illegal to possess certain drugs without permission from a doctor.
- Usage
possess is often used in legal or official contexts
- 3
Personal ability
She possesses a rare ability to stay calm under pressure.
- 4
Team capability
The team possesses enough experience to handle the project well.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Obsessive idea
He seemed possessed by the idea that everyone was against him.
- Patternpossessed by + idea/feeling
strongly controlled by it
- 6
Supernatural story
In the story, the child was possessed by an evil spirit.
- Patternpossessed by + spirit
controlled by a ghost or demon
- 7
Formal description
The old professor was possessed of great patience and a dry sense of humor.
- Usagepossessed of
having; this sounds formal or literary
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- possess property
- possess assets
- possess a weapon
- possess the right to
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- possessverb
Forms
- possessedpast tenseverb
- possessesverb
- possessing-ing formverb