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possess

pos·sess

possess

 
 
pronunciation:
p zes
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: possesses, possessing, possessed
definition 1: to have as one's own property.
They lost everything that they possessed during the war.He now possesses two cars and a boat.
synonyms:
have, own
antonyms:
lack
similar words:
grasp, hold, keep
definition 2: to have as a characteristic or quality.
They believe that their elders possess great wisdom.
synonyms:
have
antonyms:
lack
similar words:
embody, enjoy
definition 3: to have knowledge of.
Only she possesses the secret.
synonyms:
have, hold, know
definition 4: of ideas or emotions, to control or dominate the actions of.
He was possessed by the idea that he would fail.
synonyms:
consume, obsess, preoccupy
similar words:
control, dominate, engross, rule, seize
definition 5: of an evil spirit, to take control of or inhabit as an irresistible force.
They claimed that an evil spirit had possessed their daughter.
similar words:
bedevil, bewitch, haunt
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derivation: possessor (n.)
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