possessed

adjective

pos·​sessed pə-ˈzest 

 also  -ˈsest

1

a(1)

: influenced or controlled by something (such 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

possessedly

pə-ˈze-səd-lē 

-ˈzest-lē

 also  -ˈse-səd-

 or  -ˈsest-

adverb

possessedness

pə-ˈze-səd-nəs 

-ˈzest-nəs

 also  -ˈse-səd-

 or  -ˈsest-

noun

Synonyms

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

Examples of possessed in a Sentence

a horror movie about a possessed child

remarkably poised and possessed in the midst of all the turmoil

Recent Examples on the Web

The film follows two priests — one questioning his faith (Dan Stevens) and one reckoning with a troubled past (Al Pacino), who must put aside their differences to save a possessed young woman through a difficult and dangerous series of exorcisms. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 June 2025

After taking a couple episodes to establish its premise, there’s a procedural rhythm to Hub’s hunting expeditions, tracking targets from a possessed priest to a Satanic cheerleader. —Alison Herman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025

Relentlessly silly instead of scary, the horror comedy is worth a watch just for goofy Brian Cox playing a possessed dad. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025

Based on the William Peter Blatty novel of the same name, the story centers on a possessed young girl named Regan (Blair) and the two Catholic priests who perform an exorcism to rid Regan of the demon that has taken over her body. —Diana Pearl, People.com, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing possessed

• be possessed of
• like a man/woman possessed
• self-possessed
• whatever possessed him/her/you/them
• what possessed him/her/you/them

Rhymes for possessed

• acquiesced
• coalesced
• dispossessed
• manifest
• overdressed
• overstressed
• prepossessed
• reassessed
• reinvest
• repossessed
• unaddressed
• uncompressed