The meaning of POSSESS is to have and hold as property : own. How to use possess in a sentence.

To possess something is to have or own it. You can possess a physical object, you can possess a particular quality or skill, or you can possess control or influence over someone.

POSSESS definition: 1. to have or own something, or to have a particular quality: 2. (of a wish or an idea) to take…. Learn more.

1. to have as belonging to one; have as property; own. 2. to have as a faculty, quality, or the like: possess intelligence.

Definition of possess verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

to have as a faculty, quality, or the like: to possess courage. (of a spirit, esp. an evil one) to occupy, dominate, or control (a person) from within: He thought he was possessed by devils.

Dec 14, 2025 · possess (third-person singular simple present possesses, present participle possessing, simple past and past participle possessed) He does not even possess a working …

POSSESS definition: to have as belonging to one; have as property; own. See examples of possess used in a sentence.

There are 24 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb possess, ten of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

POSSESS meaning: 1 : to have or own (something); 2 : to have or show (a particular quality, ability, skill, etc.)