possess

[puh-zes] /pəˈzɛs/
verb (used with object)
1.
to have as belonging to one; have as property; own:
to possess a house and a car.
2.
to have as a faculty, quality, or the like:
to possess courage.
3.
(of a spirit, especially an evil one) to occupy, dominate, or control (a person) from within:
He thought he was possessed by devils.
4.
(of a feeling, idea, etc.) to dominate or actuate in the manner of such a spirit:
He was possessed by envy.
5.
(of a man) to succeed in having sexual intercourse with.
6.
to have knowledge of:
to possess a language.
7.
to keep or maintain (oneself, one's mind, etc.) in a certain state, as of peace, patience, etc.
8.
to maintain control over (oneself, one's mind, etc.).
9.
to impart to; inform; familiarize (often followed by of or with):
to possess someone of the facts of the case.
10.
to cause to be dominated or influenced, as by an idea, feeling, etc.
11.
to make (someone) owner, holder, or master, as of property, information, etc.:
He possessed them of the facts.
12.
to seize or take.
13.
to gain or win.
14.
to occupy or hold.
Origin
1425-75; late Middle English possesen < Middle French possess(i)er, noun derivative of possession possession
Related forms
possessor, noun
possessorship, noun
underpossessor, noun
unpossessing, adjective
Synonyms
1. See have.
Examples from the web for possess
  • Even the most ordinary objects possess the ability to evoke powerful images, memories and emotions.
  • But I suggest that humans do or can possess a deeper level of experience than such anthropocentric despairs.
  • This is called a "long finish," and it's one of the most seductive attributes a wine can possess.
  • Courage, strength, and hope possess my soul.
  • When that happens, you could end up paying taxes on money you no longer possess.
  • Qualified candidate should possess outstanding communication skills and ability to think creatively.
  • Must possess an eagerness to learn new software applications.
  • For they of weighty matter shall possess thee.
  • Buckley started thinking about writing a novel about young nerd heroes who possess powers that can save the world, in silly ways.
  • Weaver's choice of vegetables is not limited to those of interest to gardeners; they must also possess culinary merit.
British Dictionary definitions for possess

possess

/pəˈzɛs/
verb (transitive)
1.
to have as one's property; own
2.
to have as a quality, faculty, characteristic, etc: to possess good eyesight
3.
to have knowledge or mastery of: to possess a little French
4.
to gain control over or dominate: whatever possessed you to act so foolishly?
5.
(foll by of) to cause to be the owner or possessor: I am possessed of the necessary information
6.
(often foll by with) to cause to be influenced or dominated (by): the news possessed him with anger
7.
to have sexual intercourse with
8.
(rare) to keep control over or maintain (oneself or one's feelings) in a certain state or condition: possess yourself in patience until I tell you the news
9.
(archaic) to gain or seize
Derived Forms
possessor, noun
Word Origin
C15: from Old French possesser, from Latin possidēre to own, occupy; related to Latin sedēre to sit
Word Origin and History for possess
v.

late 14c., "to hold, occupy, reside in" (without regard to ownership), a back formation from possession and in part from Old French possesser "to have and hold, take, be in possession of" (mid-13c.), from Latin possess-, past participle stem of possidere "to have and hold, possess, be master of, own," from posse "to be able," from potis "able, powerful" (see potent) + esse "to be" (see be). Meaning "to hold as property" is recorded from c.1500. Demonic sense is recorded from 1530s (implied in possessed). Related: Possessed; possessing.