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- 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
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| 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
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| definition 3: |
to have knowledge of.
Only she possesses the secret.- synonyms:
- have, hold, know
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| 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
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| 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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| related words: |
boast, occupy |
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| derivation: |
possessor (n.) |
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