Pronunciation

/pəˈzɛs/

Definitions

Noun

• Possess (noun): The act or state of having ownership or control over something. For example: “The child has a toy that he possesses with great joy.”
• Possession (noun): The state of owning or having legal rights to something. For example: “The house was seized by the government due to unpaid taxes.”

Verb

• To possess (verb): To have physical or legal ownership of something; to hold or control. For example: “She possesses a vast collection of rare books.”
• To be possessed by (verb): To be influenced or controlled by a supernatural force, typically used metaphorically. For example: “He was possessed by an intense passion for art.”

Phrases

• “In possession of” indicates that someone has something in their keeping or has legal title to it.
• “To possess knowledge” means to have understanding or familiarity with a subject.
• “Be in possession of a secret” refers to having confidential information.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The museum’s collection is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts that they possess.”
• Verb: “After winning the lottery, he found himself possessed of a large fortune.”
• Metaphorical: “She was possessed by the desire to travel the world.”

Synonyms

• Own
• Hold
• Owns
• Has
• Retains
• Has possession of
• Is in control of
• Possesses ownership

Antonyms

• Lack
• Lacks
• Does not own
• Does not have
• Does not possess