to have or own something, especially a quality, skill, or piece of property
Many artists possess a unique sense of style that makes their work recognizable.
The ancient library possesses manuscripts that date back a thousand years.
✦ Middle English possessen, from Old French possesser, from Latin possidēre ‘to have, hold, occupy’.
(of a spirit, emotion, or idea) to take complete control of someone’s body or mind
Legend says an evil spirit once possessed the old house on the hill.
In the movie, a ghost possesses a young woman to deliver a final message.
✦ Extended figurative use of possess in reference to spirits dates to the late Middle Ages, linking ownership with control of the body or mind.
