Possession

/pəˈzɛʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The state of having, owning, or controlling something.
Her possession of the ancient manuscript impressed the scholars.
Something that is owned.
He treasured the possession of the family heirloom.
The act of possessing something.
The possession of illegal drugs is a serious crime.
Control or occupancy of a particular place.
The possession of the estate was contested in court.
verb
To have as belonging to one; to own.
She possesses a rare talent for music.

Etymology

From Old French 'possession' or Latin 'possessio'

Common Phrases and Expressions

in possession of
having or owning something.
out of possession
no longer having or owning something.
possession is nine-tenths of the law
actual ownership is easier to prove than the right to ownership.

Related Words

possess
to have as belonging to one; to own.
possessor
a person who possesses something.
unpossession
the state of being without possession.

Slang Meanings

Take possession
He decided to take possession of the opportunity when it arose.
Possession is everything
When it comes to that game, possession is everything.