Possess

/pəˈzɛs/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To have or own something.

She possesses an impressive collection of rare books.

To have a quality or attribute.

He possesses great talent in playing the piano.

To dominate or control someone or something.

The spirit is said to possess individuals during certain rituals.

To seize or take control of something.

They hoped to possess the land before their rivals could.

From Middle English 'possessen', from Old French 'posséder', from Latin 'possidēre'.

possess the skills

To have the necessary abilities or expertise.

possess oneself

To control or restrain one's emotions or actions.

possess a talent

To have a natural ability in a specific area.

possession

The state of having something.

possessor

A person who possesses something.

possessive

Having a strong desire to own or control.

To have something desirable or cool.

That new phone is straight fire; I gotta possess it!

To be very good at something.

She really possesses those dance moves.