what possessed him/her/you/them

phrase

—used to say that someone did something stupid

She was acting like a fool. I don't know what possessed her.

Examples of what possessed him/her/you/them in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The relatively large, cheap-feeling, white and blue plastic routers are passable, but what possessed them to put an X on top to house the LED? — Simon Hill, WIRED, 13 Sep. 2024

Browse Nearby Words

what one will

what possessed him/her/you/them

what price glory/fame

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“What possessed him/her/you/them.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/what%20possessed%20him%2Fher%2Fyou%2Fthem. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation