possess

verb pos·sess \ pə-ˈzes also -ˈses \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

1 a : to have and hold as property : own

b : to have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

2 a : to seize and take control of : take into one's possession

b : to enter into and control firmly : dominate

was possessed by demons

c : to bring or cause to fall under the influence, domination, or control of some emotional or intellectual response or reaction

melancholy possesses her

3 a obsolete : to instate as owner

b : to make the owner or holder —used in passive construction to indicate simple possession

possessed of riches

possessed of knowledge and experience

—

possessor

play \pə-ˈze-sər also -ˈse-\ noun

See possess defined for English-language learners

See possess defined for kids

Examples of possess in a Sentence

What would possess seemingly sane people to treat concrete walls like trampolines? —Alice Park, Time, 16 Apr. 2007
People who experience specific colors when looking at particular letters, such as seeing sky blue when shown an R, possess an unusual abundance of connections in brain areas involved in word and color perception, a new brain-imaging investigation finds. —Bruce Bower, Science News, 26 May 2007
What does matter is that we come to recognize that playfulness, as a philosophical stance, can be very serious, indeed; and, moreover, that it possesses an unfailing capacity to arouse ridicule and hostility in those among us who crave certainty, reverence, and restraint. —Tom Robbins, Harper's, September 2004
nations that possess nuclear weapons
The defendant was charged with possessing cocaine.
The ruby was once possessed by an ancient queen.
He dreams of someday possessing great wealth.
He possesses a keen wit.
The drug possesses the potential to suppress tumors.
Do dolphins possess the ability to use language?

Recent Examples of possess from the Web

The 6-foot-6, 210-pound small forward is a native of Jonesboro, Georgia, who possesses dynamic leadership skills and proved to be the Team Captain at Middle Georgia Prep.

— samford athletics, AL.com, "Samford basketball adds Henderson, Jr., to 2018-19 roster," 12 Apr. 2018
Darnold is the most polished of the four, but possesses a wind-up throwing motion that concerns some evaluators.

— omar kelly, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Dolphins hosting quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen on draft visits," 12 Apr. 2018
The report said lawmakers do not possess any physical or electronic evidence of the photo.

— samuel chamberlain, Fox News, "Ex-lover of Missouri Gov. Greitens says 'sexy workout' encounter was nonconsensual," 11 Apr. 2018
Anyone taking or possessing horseshoe crabs without a license can be charged with an infraction that can be paid by the U.S. mail.

— christopher keating, courant.com, "House Votes on Satellite Dishes, Horseshoe Crabs," 11 Apr. 2018
Scharlat must also get fitted for a GPS monitoring bracelet, turn in his passport, not possess or use weapons or have any contact with the three victims.

— bruce vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bail set at $10,000 for federal agent charged in multiple sex assaults," 11 Apr. 2018
Davis favorite gorilla is George, an albino who can speak in sign language and possesses a genial rapport with Davis, who is probably the only human being who could beat him at arm wrestling.

— mick lasalle, San Antonio Express-News, "Review: More monsters, more fun in ‘Rampage’," 11 Apr. 2018
McCrory said he, too, opposed teachers possessing firearms in the classroom.

— dennis hohenberger, Courant Community, "Youth Forum Discusses Guns, Opioids," 10 Apr. 2018
Adler, his cast and collaborators have created a production that underscores exactly why Jacobs-Jenkins possesses a voice worth seeking out.

— christine dolen, miamiherald, "'Gloria' not so glorious look at a media office space | Miami Herald," 10 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'possess.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of possess

Middle English, from Middle French possesser to have possession of, take possession of, from Latin possessus, past participle of possidēre, from potis able, having the power + sedēre to sit — more at potent, sit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year