Definition of possess

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< posse

possessed >

pos·sess    (p-zs) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
pos·sessed, pos·sess·ing, pos·sess·es

1. To have as property; own.
2. To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute: possessed great tact.
3. To acquire mastery of or have knowledge of: possess valuable data.
4. 1. To gain or exert influence or control over; dominate: Fury possessed me.
   2. To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition: I possessed my temper despite the insult.
5. To cause to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge: She possessed herself of the unclaimed goods.
6. To cause to be influenced or controlled, as by an idea or emotion: The thought of getting rich possessed him.
7. Obsolete To gain or seize.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English possessen, from Old French possesser, from Latin possidre, possess- : pos-, as master; see poti- in Indo-European roots + sedre, to sit; see sed- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
pos·sessor(Noun)