1have as belonging to one; own:I do not possess a television set
Law have possession of as distinct from ownership:a two-year suspended sentence for possessing cocaine
have as an ability, quality, or characteristic:he did not possess a sense of humour (be possessed of)a fading blonde possessed of a powerful soprano voice
(possess oneself of) archaic take for one’s own:all that the plaintiffs did was to possess themselves of the securities
2(of a demon or spirit, especially an evil one) have complete power over (someone) and be manifested through their speech or actions:she was possessed by the Devil
(of an emotion, idea, etc.) dominate the mind of:I was possessed by a desire to tell her everything
3 literary (of a man) have sexual intercourse with:he just wanted her, to possess her
4 archaic maintain (oneself or one’s mind or soul) in a state of patience or quiet:I tried to possess my soul in patience
[often with biblical allusion to Luke 21:19, the proper sense (‘gain your souls’) being misunderstood]
what possessed you?
used to express surprise at an action regarded as extremely unwise:what possessed you to come here?
