# possess

/pəˈzɛs/ (US) · /pəzˈɛs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/possess
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to own or have

verb · CEFR B2

to have or own a particular quality, skill, or physical object.

For teachers: to have as a property, attribute, or characteristic; to be in possession of something.

- The new applicant possesses all the technical skills we need for this job.
- The defendant was found to possess several encrypted files that proved his involvement in the data breach.

Usage: Always transitive; requires a direct object.

### 2. legal possession

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to have something in your care or control, even if you do not legally own it.

For teachers: to have physical control or occupancy of property or land, distinguished from legal title or ownership.

- It is illegal to possess certain chemicals without a special permit.
- The court had to determine whether the tenant continued to possess the premises after the lease had officially expired.

Usage: Used specifically in legal contexts regarding property and evidence.

### 3. to be controlled by a feeling

verb · CEFR B2

to be controlled by a very strong emotion or idea.

For teachers: of an emotion, idea, or impulse: to dominate or influence a person's mind or actions completely.

- I don't know what possessed me to say something so rude to her.
- A sudden, inexplicable rage seemed to possess him, causing him to storm out of the meeting without a word of explanation.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice or with 'what' in questions like 'What possessed you?'

### 4. supernatural control

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

of a spirit or demon: to take control of a person's body or mind.

For teachers: of a supernatural entity: to inhabit and exert total control over a person or animal.

- In the movie, a dark spirit possesses the young girl and changes her voice.
- Ancient legends spoke of a vengeful ghost that would possess any traveler who dared to sleep within the ruined temple walls.

Usage: Commonly found in religious, horror, or mythological contexts.

## Examples

- He does not possess the necessary skills for this job.
- The defendant was found to possess several stolen items when the police searched his apartment.
- While the candidate does possess an impressive academic record, the committee remains concerned about her lack of practical experience in high-pressure environments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.