Synonyms for possess
- acquire
- carry
- enjoy
- maintain
- occupy
- own
- retain
- seize
- bear
- control
- corner
- dominate
- grab
- hog
- hold
- be blessed with
- be born with
- be endowed with
- corner the market
- get hands on
- get hold of
- have to name
- latch on to
- lock up
- sit on
- take over
- take possession
Antonyms for possess
EXAMPLES FROM THE WEB FOR POSSESS
The misfortune was that this was the only thing they cared to possess.
In painting, we believe we possess a school second to none of modern art.
If our whole horizon of truth were not broadened, we could not possess this command.
There are some papers and some money I must possess myself of.
It is tragic how few people ever ‘possess their souls’ before they die.
For all that, I know very well what a treasure I possess in Andrew the carpenter.
Faith is the soul's eyesight; and when we possess it the world is never dark nor lonely.
I daresay your wife'll have a child just about the time you've spent every ha'penny you possess.
I possess his secret; I could give him up to the king's wrath; I could bring him to the death.
Love wants to possess the beloved object—and to make her happy.
WORD ORIGIN
late 14c., "to hold, occupy, reside in" (without regard to ownership), a back formation from possession and in part from Old French possesser "to have and hold, take, be in possession of" (mid-13c.), from Latin possess-, past participle stem of possidere "to have and hold, possess, be master of, own," from posse "to be able," from potis "able, powerful" (see potent) + esse "to be" (see be). Meaning "to hold as property" is recorded from c.1500. Demonic sense is recorded from 1530s (implied in possessed). Related: Possessed; possessing.