Dictionary entries for 'possess'

Synonyms

pos·sess (pə-zĕś)

[Middle English possessen, from Old French possesser, from Latin possidēre, possess-, pos-, as master, + sedēre, to sit.]

transitive verb: -sessed, -sess·ing, -sess·es.

To have as property; own.
To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute: possessed great tact.
To acquire mastery of or have knowledge of: possess valuable data.
1. To gain or exert influence or control over; dominate: Fury possessed me.
2. To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition: I possessed my temper despite the insult.
To cause to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge: She possessed herself of the unclaimed goods.
To cause to be influenced or controlled, as by an idea or emotion: The thought of getting rich possessed him.
Obsolete To gain or seize.