possessed

pos·sessed

adjective

Definition of POSSESSED

1

a (1) : influenced or controlled by something (as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) (2) : mad, crazed

b : urgently desirous to do or have something

2

obsolete : held as a possession

3

: self-possessed, calm

— pos·sessed·ly \-ˈze-səd-lē, -ˈzest-lē also -ˈse-səd- or -ˈsest-\ adverb

— pos·sessed·ness \-ˈze-səd-nəs, -ˈzest-nəs also -ˈse-səd- or -ˈsest-\ noun

Examples of POSSESSED

1. a horror movie about a possessed child
2. <remarkably poised and possessed in the midst of all the turmoil>

First Known Use of POSSESSED

1534

Related to POSSESSED

Synonyms

collected, composed, cool, coolheaded, equal, level, limpid, peaceful, placid, calm, recollected, sedate, self-composed, self-possessed, serene, smooth, together, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unruffled, unshaken, untroubled, unworried

Antonyms

agitated, discomposed, disturbed, flustered, perturbed, unglued, unhinged, unstrung, upset

Related Words

even, even-keeled, steady, well-adjusted, well-balanced; imperturbable, nerveless, unflappable, unshakable; centered, disciplined, equable, self-contained, self-controlled; affable, breezy, devil-may-care, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, laid-back, loosey-goosey, mellow; carefree, nonchalant, unconcerned; assured, confident, self-assured; aloof, detached, dispassionate, indifferent; bovine, impassive, phlegmatic, sober, stolid; relaxed, relieved, tranquilized (also tranquillized)

Near Antonyms

anxious, bothered, distressed, uneasy, unquiet, unsettled, worried; jittery, jumpy, nervous, restless, skittish, tense; high-strung, unstable, uptight