what possessed him/her/you/them

idiom

used to say that someone did something stupid
She was acting like a fool. I don't know what possessed her.

Examples of what possessed him/her/you/them in a Sentence

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.
The relatively large, cheap-feeling, white and blue plastic routers are passable, but what possessed them to put an X on top to house the LED? Simon Hill, WIRED, 24 Aug. 2024 So what possessed him to include it on his latest album? Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 11 Nov. 2023

Dictionary Entries Near what possessed him/her/you/them

Cite this Entry

“What possessed him/her/you/them.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/what%20possessed%20him%2Fher%2Fyou%2Fthem. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!