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

• hands
• enjoyment

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

On more than one occasion, defender Jarrad Branthwaite stopped in possession and questioned why there was not more movement in front of him. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 21 July 2025

Last year, the Red Sox entered the break on a high note, in possession of one of the American League’s three wild cards, then opened the second half of the season by getting swept by the Dodgers in Los Angeles. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025

The Padres, who are 53-44 and in possession of the National League’s final wild-card playoff spot, scored once against Nationals starter Michael Soroka (3-8, 5.10). —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025

Purple Reign clawed its way back with a nine-point run but still trailed 84-82 with The Shine in possession. —Sofia Schwarzwalder, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing possession

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

Rhymes for possession

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

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