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tr.v. pos·sessed, pos·sess·ing, pos·sess·es 1. a. To have as property; own: possess great wealth. b. Law To have under one's power or control: possess illegal drugs. 2. a. To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute: possesses great tact. b. To have mastery or knowledge of: possess a knowledge of Sanskrit; possess valuable information. 3. a. To gain control or power over. Used of a demon or spirit. b. To occupy fully the mind or feelings of: The dancers were possessed by the music. c. Often Offensive To have sexual intercourse with (a woman). d. Archaic To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition: I possessed my temper despite the insult. 4. Archaic To cause (oneself) to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge. 5. Archaic To gain or seize. [Middle English possessen, from Old French possesser, from Latin possidēre, possess- : pos-, as master; see poti- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + sedēre, to sit; see sed- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] pos·sessor n. |
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