possess

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
  1. verb
    have ownership or possession of
    synonyms: have, own
    feature, have
    have as a feature
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    types:
    prepossess
    possess beforehand
  2. verb
    have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
    “he possesses great knowledge about the Middle East”
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    types:
    exhibit
    show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill
    phosphoresce
    to exhibit phosphorescence
    type of:
    feature, have
    have as a feature
  3. verb
    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:
    dominate
    be in control
Word Family
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