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 suspect was a parolee at large and possessed drug paraphernalia. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 10 July 2024

The period horror film, which hits theaters this weekend, stars David Dastmalchian as the host of a Johnny Carson-era late-night talk show who invites a possessed guest to boost ratings on Halloween night. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2024

The latest franchise sequel also features a cameo from Linda Blair, who played the possessed Regan, the daughter of Burstyn's Chris MacNeil in William Friedkin's original film. —Clark Collis, EW.com, 6 Oct. 2023

Not only has Dourif given voice to the possessed doll in the movies, but he's held the role in Chucky the TV series as well. —Stephanie Sengwe, Peoplemag, 30 Oct. 2023

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