dispossess

verb

dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
 also  -ˈses
dispossessed; dispossessing; dispossesses

transitive verb

: to put out of possession or occupancy
dispossessed the nobles of their land
dispossession
ˌdis-pə-ˈze-shən How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
 also  -ˈse-
noun
dispossessor
ˌdis-pə-ˈze-sər How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
 also  -ˈse-
noun

Examples of dispossess in a Sentence

The land was settled by dispossessing the native people who lived here. opponents of gentrification claim that the process unfairly dispossesses poorer residents of their long-established homes
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.
South Africa’s colonial regimes were particularly brutal in dispossessing Black people of their land and forcefully removing them. Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025 Arsenal, looking to keep the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, got off to a fast start when Manuel Akanji was dispossessed close to the Manchester City goal, allowing Kai Havertz to tee up Martin Ødegaard for the game’s first goal inside two minutes. George Ramsay, CNN, 3 Feb. 2025 Beard’s side had less possession (shown below) but won more duels (50 to 41) and tackles (16 to 11) and dispossessed their opponents 22 times. Megan Feringa, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 In 1924, the city seized Bruce's Beach under eminent domain, ostensibly for a park but likely to dispossess the Black owners. Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dispossess 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French despossesser, from des- dis- + possesser to possess

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispossess was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near dispossess

Cite this Entry

“Dispossess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispossess. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

dispossess

verb
dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
: to take away the possession of or the right to occupy land or houses
dispossession noun

Legal Definition

dispossess

transitive verb
dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
: to put out of possession or occupancy compare evict
dispossession noun
dispossessor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dispossess

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