Word
possessed
Phoneticspos·sessed, stress on the second syllable
US/pəˈzɛst/
UK/pəzˈɛst/
Definitions
01controlled by spirits
B2 · Upper Intermediate Religion
adj. controlled by an evil spirit or a ghost.
adj. influenced or controlled by a supernatural entity, typically an evil spirit.
“In the horror movie, the girl acted strangely because she was possessed.”
“The villagers believed the man was possessed by an ancient spirit, as he began speaking in languages he had never studied.”
02driven by strong emotion
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. acting as if you are controlled by a very strong feeling, like anger or a crazy idea.
adj. characterised by an intense, almost irrational preoccupation or emotional state.
“He ran through the rain like a man possessed, desperate to reach the station.”
“She worked on the project like one possessed, ignoring her need for sleep and food until the final draft was complete.”
Antonyms
03having a quality
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having or owning a particular quality or skill.
adj. endowed with or having a specific characteristic or ability; usually followed by 'of'.
“She was possessed of a great sense of humour that made everyone feel at ease.”
“The candidate was possessed of a rare combination of technical expertise and genuine diplomatic skill, making him the ideal choice for the role.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.” “Photograph: Christian Rose She was clearly possessed of a far greater artistic and commercial ambition than she was given credit for.” “And yet Lomax’s self-ascribed mission clearly possessed him.” Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/possessed