possess

verb

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pos·sess | \ pə-ˈzes

also -ˈses

possessed; possessing; possesses

Definition of possess

transitive verb

1a : to have and hold as property : own

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

2a : 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

3a obsolete : to instate as owner

b : to make the owner or holder —used in passive construction to indicate simple possession possessed of richespossessed of knowledge and experience

Other Words from possess Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About possess

Synonyms & Antonyms for possess

Synonyms

Antonyms

lack,
want

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? See More

Recent Examples on the Web Seattle baseball fans possess two traits in abundance: dogged, unrewarded loyalty for the Mariners and the sports version of post-traumatic stress syndrome. — Kurt Streeter, New York Times, 25 July 2022 Unlike the upper middle class and wealthy, the less fortunate Americans don’t possess assets that can appreciate in value, such as real estate, stocks and other investments. — Jack Kelly, Forbes, 24 July 2022 Cast more for their personalities than their musical abilities, the quartet did possess talent. — Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2022 How could this regular Joe-folk possess such superpowers? — Manvir Singh, Wired, 14 July 2022 The Coyotes possess seven picks in the later rounds. — Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 6 July 2022 Even those who do may not possess sufficient financial or technological means to get it. — Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 5 July 2022 In Michigan, a person under the age of 18 cannot possess a handgun. — Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 29 June 2022 But once sprouted from the scalp, those strands possess no living cells or repair mechanisms. — Jolene Edgar, Allure, 24 June 2022 See More

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.