possessed; possessing; possesses
2
a
: to seize and take control of : take into one's possession
b
: to enter into and control firmly : dominate
was possessed by demons
c
: to bring or cause to fall under the influence, domination, or control of some emotional or intellectual response or reaction
melancholy possesses her
3
a
obsolete
: to instate as owner
b
: to make the owner or holder
—used in passive construction to indicate simple possession
possessed of riches
possessed of knowledge and experience
Examples of possess in a Sentence
What would possess seemingly sane people to treat concrete walls like trampolines?
—
Alice Park, Time, 16 Apr. 2007
People who experience specific colors when looking at particular letters, such as seeing sky blue when shown an R, possess an unusual abundance of connections in brain areas involved in word and color perception, a new brain-imaging investigation finds.
—Bruce Bower, Science News, 26 May 2007
What does matter is that we come to recognize that playfulness, as a philosophical stance, can be very serious, indeed; and, moreover, that it possesses an unfailing capacity to arouse ridicule and hostility in those among us who crave certainty, reverence, and restraint.
—Tom Robbins, Harper's, September 2004
nations that possess nuclear weapons
The defendant was charged with possessing cocaine.
The ruby was once possessed by an ancient queen.
He dreams of someday possessing great wealth.
He possesses a keen wit.
The drug possesses the potential to suppress tumors.
Do dolphins possess the ability to use language?
Alice Park, Time, 16 Apr. 2007
People who experience specific colors when looking at particular letters, such as seeing sky blue when shown an R, possess an unusual abundance of connections in brain areas involved in word and color perception, a new brain-imaging investigation finds.
—Bruce Bower, Science News, 26 May 2007
What does matter is that we come to recognize that playfulness, as a philosophical stance, can be very serious, indeed; and, moreover, that it possesses an unfailing capacity to arouse ridicule and hostility in those among us who crave certainty, reverence, and restraint.
—Tom Robbins, Harper's, September 2004
nations that possess nuclear weapons
The defendant was charged with possessing cocaine.
The ruby was once possessed by an ancient queen.
He dreams of someday possessing great wealth.
He possesses a keen wit.
The drug possesses the potential to suppress tumors.
Do dolphins possess the ability to use language?
Recent Examples on the Web
Who'll win week 1 Schools officials describe Davis as an accomplished photographer, videographer, filmmaker and editor who possesses incredible skill in the technical performing arts, Green Hill High School Counseling Secretary Amy Brewer said.
—Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
These decisions, while challenging, create opportunities to rebuild the team with individuals who possess specific skills and mindsets critical to the company's recovery.
—Marek Niedzwiedz, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
It’s rarely used because teams generally want to possess the ball and attempt to score a touchdown.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
The investigation also revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity, authorities said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for possess 
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Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
These decisions, while challenging, create opportunities to rebuild the team with individuals who possess specific skills and mindsets critical to the company's recovery.
—Marek Niedzwiedz, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
It’s rarely used because teams generally want to possess the ball and attempt to score a touchdown.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
The investigation also revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity, authorities said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for possess
Dictionary Entries Near possess
Cite this Entry
“Possess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/possess. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
possess
transitive verb
pos·sess
pə-ˈzes 
: to have possession of
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