possess
Other forms: possessed; possesses; possessing
To possess something is to have or own it. You can possess a physical object, you can possess a particular quality or skill, or you can possess control or influence over someone.
Related words are possessive (describing those who hold onto people or things in a controlling way), and possessed, as in a person being possessed by an idea or even by a demon. This verb is from Middle French posséder "to own," from Latin possidēre, from potis "able, having the power" plus sedēre "to sit."
Definitions of possess
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have ownership or possession of
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have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill“he possesses great knowledge about the Middle East”
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types:
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exhibit
show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill
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phosphoresce
to exhibit phosphorescence
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exhibit
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enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas“What possessed you to buy this house?”“A terrible rage possessed her”
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type of:
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dominate
be in control
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dominate
Pronunciation
US
/pəˈzɛs/
UK
/pəˈzɛs/
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Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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