Possess meaning

What does “possess” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“possess” is a verb with 3 meanings. Its most common meaning is: have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill.

possess

verb

  1. have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

    “he possesses great knowledge about the Middle East”

  2. have ownership or possession of

    “He owns three houses in Florida”

    “How many cars does she have?”

    Synonymsownhave
  3. enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas

    “What possessed you to buy this house?”

    “A terrible rage possessed her”

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University