possess

verb

pos·​sess pə-ˈzes How to pronounce possess (audio)
also
-ˈses How to pronounce possess (audio)
possessed; possessing; possesses

transitive verb

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
pə-ˈze-sər How to pronounce possess (audio)
 also  -ˈse-
noun

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 on the Web Using, possessing and growing marijuana for personal use, within limits, became legal last August. Steve Karnowski, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 While ganas is an important attribute for students to possess, the book argues that educators and educational institutions need to seek an approach that focuses on creating environments that help support students rather than leaving them to fend for themselves. Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 White is banned from possessing firearms because of a 2021 felony conviction out of Lake County, Ind., according to charges. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2024 Oregon is poised to step back from its first-in-the-nation drug decriminalization law with a new measure approved by the state Senate that would reinstate criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of some drugs. Andrew Demillo, Fortune, 4 Mar. 2024 Athletes and creators who resonate with the brand’s target demographic possess the power to drive meaningful conversations and inspire action among consumers. King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 While knowledgeable in taxes, CPAs also possess a broad understanding of accounting, auditing, and financial planning. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Furthermore, the showman runner, Lyles with expertise in the 100m and 200m after surpassing his competitors on the 60-meter track expressed that these athletes don't possess a chance in the outdoor events. Paras Jan, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Nor does Japan possess many of the assembly operations that firms such as Apple maintain in China. Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'possess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of possess was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near possess

Cite this Entry

“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possess. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

possess

verb
pos·​sess pə-ˈzes How to pronounce possess (audio)
1
a
: to have and hold as property : own
b
: to have as a characteristic, knowledge, or skill
possesses a keen wit
2
: to enter into and control firmly : dominate
possessed by a demon
whatever possessed you to do that
possessor
-ˈzes-ər
noun

Legal Definition

possess

transitive verb
pos·​sess pə-ˈzes How to pronounce possess (audio)
: to have possession of

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