repossess

verb

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re·pos·sess | \ ˌrē-pə-ˈzes

also -ˈses \

repossessed; repossessing; repossesses

Definition of repossess

transitive verb

1a : to regain possession of

b : to take possession of (something bought) from a buyer in default of the payment of installments due

2 : to restore to possession

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Other Words from repossess

repossession \ ˌrē-pə-ˈze-shən

also -ˈse- \ noun

repossessor \ ˌrē-pə-ˈze-sər

also -ˈse- \ noun

Examples of repossess in a Sentence

The bank repossessed her truck. if you don't pay off the loan, the bank will come and repossess your car

Recent Examples on the Web On one occasion, workers from a local furniture company arrived to repossess its property, only to find the building empty. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, "The Enduring Mystery of H.H. Holmes, America’s ‘First’ Serial Killer," 7 May 2021 Enter our cynical protagonist who used to repossess organs and is now being hunted for his heart. — Washington Post, "Let’s talk about ‘Starship Troopers’ and other science fiction and fantasy novels that became great films," 23 Feb. 2021 In March 2008, her lender, Peoples Trust, represented by Ms. Wallis, began proceedings to repossess the property. — New York Times, "A Vast Web of Vengeance," 30 Jan. 2021 In the spring, banks stopped calling him to repossess cars after their owners fell behind on payments. — Wsj Staff, WSJ, "Covid Threw People’s Finances Into Disarray: ‘It Doesn’t Look Pretty’," 24 Dec. 2020 Cooper said such people can ask their bank to repossess their vehicles in order to remove the barrier to SNAP benefits. — Scott Huddleston, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio Food Bank, ‘the only option’ for many needy families, expects heavy demand well into 2021.," 14 Dec. 2020 When a buyer falls behind on their loan payments, the lender usually has the right to repossess the home and resell it in a foreclosure sale. — Jeff Manning, oregonlive, "Home flipper at center of Red House controversy says he’s ready to sell the house back," 11 Dec. 2020 Perdita Weeks, Jay Hernandez) repossess a plane for a client when a drug cartel opens fire, forcing them to crash land in the jungle in this new episode of the rebooted action series. — Ed Stockly, Los Angeles Times, "What’s on TV Friday: ‘MacGyver’; ‘Disney Holiday House Party’," 10 Dec. 2020 Two people were attempting to repossess a vehicle at a residence when the owner exited his house and threatened them with a handgun. — Washington Post, "Maryland crime report," 11 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'repossess.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

16 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Repossess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repossess. Accessed 18 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for repossess

repossess

verb

English Language Learners Definition of repossess

: to take (something) back from a buyer because payments are not being made

See the full definition for repossess in the English Language Learners Dictionary

repossess

transitive verb

re·pos·sess | \ ˌrē-pə-ˈzes

Legal Definition of repossess

: to regain possession of especially : to take possession of again by judicial process or self-help upon default of the payment of installments due — compare foreclose, seize sense 2