possess

[ puh-zes ]

verbhave or obtain

Synonyms for possess

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Antonyms for possess

Word Origin & History

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.

Example Sentences forpossess

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.

possess

boast

boasted

boasts

charm

charms

possess

More words related to possess

bear

boast

boasted

boasts

charm

charms