# possessed

/pəˈzɛst/ (US) · /pəzˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/possessed
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. controlled by spirits

adjective · CEFR B2

controlled by an evil spirit or a ghost.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. driven by strong emotion

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

acting as if you are controlled by a very strong feeling, like anger or a crazy idea.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. having a quality

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

having or owning a particular quality or skill.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She possessed a rare talent for painting.
- The candidate possessed all the necessary qualifications for the senior management role.
- Although the manuscript was centuries old, it possessed a clarity of thought that remained strikingly relevant to modern philosophical debates.

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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.