26984 words

possess

6 definitions • 9 examples
1
to have or own something, or to have a particular quality:

Examples:

I don't possess a single DVD (= I don't have even one DVD).
In the past the root of this plant was thought to possess magical powers.
2
(of a wish or an idea) to take control over a person's mind, making that person behave in a very strange way:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] Whatever possessed him to wear that appalling jacket!
3
to have or own something, or to have a particular quality:

Examples:

Those states are the countries that possess nuclear weapons.
She possesses the unusual talent of knowing when to say nothing.
4
(of a desire or an idea) to take control over a person’s mind, making that person behave in a strange way:

Examples:

I don’t know what possessed me to start yelling like that.
5
to have or own something:

Examples:

More than five million German households possess exercise equipment.
These bonds possess many favorable investment attributes.
6
to have a particular quality:

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