possession

noun

pos·​ses·​sion pə-ˈze-shən 

 also  -ˈse-

1

a

: the act of having or taking into control

b

: control or occupancy of property without regard to ownership

c

: ownership

d

: control of the ball or puck

also : an instance of having such control (as in football)

scored on their first two possessions

2

: something owned, occupied, or controlled : property

3

a

: domination by something (such as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea)

b

: a psychological state in which an individual's normal personality is replaced by another

c

: self-possession

possessional

pə-ˈzesh-nəl 

-ˈze-shə-nᵊl

 also  -ˈsesh-nəl

 or  -ˈse-shə-nᵊl

adjective

possessionless

pə-ˈze-shən-ləs 

-ˈse-

adjective

Synonyms

• control
• enjoyment
• hands
• keeping

Examples of possession in a Sentence

The city can take possession of the abandoned buildings.

She came into possession of a rare silver coin.

The family lost all of its possessions in the fire.

This ring was my mother's most precious possession.

The defendant was charged with heroin possession.

Recent Examples on the Web

Aryan Khan landed the star in hot water last year after he was arrested on charges of drug possession, although the charges were eventually dropped due to lack of evidence. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023

Seeking to expand alternatives to incarceration, the bill also would set up a task force to examine possibilities for diversion programs so people can avoid jail time for nonviolent misdemeanor offenses such as drug possession. —Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023

Biden’s attorneys, upon discovering a few classified documents among his papers, immediately and voluntarily called the White House, which immediately and voluntarily notified the National Archives and Records Administration, which immediately took possession of the docs. —Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023

Two possessions later, Mt. Hebron executed its longest drive of the game going 90 yards in 10 plays. —Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 18 Sep. 2023

That study highlighted the case of a man arrested in the northeast Mississippi city of Tupelo for possession of crack cocaine. —Caleb Bedillion, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2023

Parker missed a shot later in the possession, and Sims found Sabally on the other end for a 3-pointer that cut the lead to four with two minutes left. —Peter Warren, Dallas News, 18 Sep. 2023

For privacy, people layered clothing over these bags, cutting slits to provide easy access to their possessions. —Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023

The seatbelt has gone missing in James’ possession. —Ainslie Lee | [e-mail], al, 17 Sep. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing possession

• have in one's possession
• vacant possession
• self-possession

• have in one's possession
• vacant possession
• self-possession

Kids Definition

possession

noun

pos·​ses·​sion pə-ˈzesh-ən 

1

a

: the act of possessing or holding as one's own : ownership

b

: control of property without regard to ownership

2

a

: something held as one's own

b

: an area under the control of but not actually part of a nation

island possessions of the U.S.

3

: control by an idea or influence from outside oneself

Legal Definition

possession

noun

pos·​ses·​sion pə-ˈze-shən 

1

: the act, fact, or condition of having control of something: as

a

: actual possession in this entry

b

: constructive possession in this entry

c

: knowing dominion and control over a controlled substance or other contraband

d

in the civil law of Louisiana : the detention or enjoyment of a corporeal thing

e

: control or occupancy of property

— actual possession

: direct occupancy, use, or control of real property

had actual possession of the land despite a lack of legal title

: direct physical custody, care, or control of property or contraband (as illegal drugs)

actual possession is not necessary to sustain a conviction

—State v. Garrison, 896 S.W.2d 689 (1995)

— adverse possession

: actual possession of another's real property that is open, hostile, exclusive, continuous, adverse to the claim of the owner, often under a claim of right or color of title, and that may give rise to title in the possessor if carried out for a specified statutory period (as ten years)

also : the method of acquiring title by such possession see also hostile possession and notorious possession in this entry compare prescription

— civil possession

in the civil law of Louisiana : possession that exists by virtue of an intent to be the owner of a property even though one no longer occupies or has physical control of it

— constructive possession

: possession that exists by virtue of a right (as by title) rather than direct occupancy or control

: the knowing ability and sometimes intent to exercise dominion and control over something (as illegal drugs) either directly or through others

— hostile possession

: possession (as in adverse possession) that is antagonistic to the claims of all others (as a record owner) and that is carried out with the intention to possess the property exclusively

— notorious possession

: possession (as in adverse possession) that is so conspicuous that it is generally known by people in the vicinity of the property and so gives rise to a presumption that the owner has notice of it

— precarious possession

in the civil law of Louisiana : possession of property that is exercised by another (as a lessee) with the permission of or on behalf of the owner see also acquisitive prescription at prescription

2

: something controlled, occupied, or owned

personal possessions