possess

Forms

1.To have (something) as, or as if as, an owner; to have, to own.
- He does not even possess a working telephone.
- He read the letter aloud. Sophia listened with the studied air of one for whom, even in these days, a title possessed some surreptitious allurement.
- Even where the affections are not strongly moved by any superior excellence, the companions of our childhood always possess a certain power over our minds, which hardly any later friend can obtain.
2.Of an idea, thought, etc.: to dominate (someone's mind); to strongly influence.
- A horrid mistrust of the whole house possessed me. I saw it in the light of a deadly trap.
- I saw that turbulent emotions possessed her, so I asked what I thought would be some sedative questions about her little girl.
3.Of a supernatural entity, especially one regarded as evil: to take control of (an animal or person's body or mind).
- They thought he was possessed by evil spirits.
- Had I lived in the Middle Ages I am certain I would have believed that a talking bird must be possessed by the devil.
4.Of a person: to control or dominate (oneself or someone, or one's own or someone's heart, mind, etc.).
- I tried to possess my soul in patience, and to forget how hungry I was.
- Take me, mould me to your will, possess my heart and soul to all eternity.
- She would surrender herself avidly, he thought, and greedily enjoy all the intimacies of the bed without ever allowing herself to be possessed.

Uncommon· #2931

PIE word

*pótis