Possess vs. Obsess — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Possess and Obsess
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Definitions
Possess
Have as belonging to one; own
I do not possess a television set
Obsess
To preoccupy the mind of (someone) excessively.
Possess
(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
Obsess
To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic
The conference organizer obsessed over the smallest of details.
Possess
(of a man) have sexual intercourse with
He just wanted her, to possess her
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Obsess
To be preoccupied with a single topic or emotion.
Some people are obsessed with sports.
Possess
Maintain (oneself or one's mind or soul) in a state of patience or quiet
I tried to possess my soul in patience
Obsess
(transitive) To dominate the thoughts of someone.
Thoughts of her obsess my every waking moment.
Possess
To have as property; own
Possess great wealth.
Obsess
To think or talk obsessively about.
Stop obsessing over it, will you!
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Possess
(Law) To have under one's power or control
Possess illegal drugs.
Obsess
To besiege; to beset.
Possess
To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute
Possesses great tact.
Obsess
To excessively preoccupy the thoughts or feelings of; to haunt the mind persistently.
Possess
To have mastery or knowledge of
Possess a knowledge of Sanskrit.
Possess valuable information.
Obsess
To be excessively or persistently preoccupied with something; - usually used with on or over; as, to obsess over an imagined insult.
At all ages children are driven to figure out what it takes to succeed among their peers and to give these strategies precedence over anything their parents foist on them. Weary parents know they are no match for a child's peers, and rightly obsess over the best neighborhood in which to bring their children up.
Possess
To gain control or power over. Used of a demon or spirit.
Obsess
Haunt like a ghost; pursue;
Fear of illness haunts her
Possess
To occupy fully the mind or feelings of
The dancers were possessed by the music.
Obsess
Be preoccupied with something;
She is obsessing over her weight
Possess
Often Offensive To have sexual intercourse with (a woman).
Possess
(Archaic) To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition
I possessed my temper despite the insult.
Possess
(Archaic) To cause (oneself) to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge.
Possess
(Archaic) To gain or seize.
Possess
(transitive)
Possess
To have (something) as, or as if as, an owner; to have, to own.
He does not even possess a working telephone.
Possess
Of an idea, thought, etc.: to dominate (someone's mind); to strongly influence.
Possess
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.
Possess
Of a person: to control or dominate (oneself or someone, or one's own or someone's heart, mind, etc.).
Possess
(archaic)
Possess
(law) To have control or possession of, but not to own (a chattel or an interest in land).
Possess
(obsolete)
Possess
(intransitive)
Possess
To dominate sexually; to have sexual intercourse with.
Possess
To inhabit or occupy a place.
Possess
To occupy in person; to hold or actually have in one's own keeping; to have and to hold.
Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.
Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange power,After offense returning, to regainLove once possessed.
Possess
To have the legal title to; to have a just right to; to be master of; to own; to have; as, to possess property, an estate, a book.
I am yours, and all that I possess.
Possess
To obtain occupation or possession of; to accomplish; to gain; to seize.
How . . . to possess the purpose they desired.
Possess
To enter into and influence; to control the will of; to fill; to affect; - said especially of evil spirits, passions, etc.
Those which were possessed with devils.
For ten inspired, ten thousand are possessed.
Possess
To put in possession; to make the owner or holder of property, power, knowledge, etc.; to acquaint; to inform; - followed by of or with before the thing possessed, and now commonly used reflexively.
I have possessed your grace of what I purpose.
Record a gift . . . of all he dies possessedUnto his son.
We possessed our selves of the kingdom of Naples.
To possess our minds with an habitual good intention.
Possess
Have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill;
He possesses great knowledge about the Middle East
Possess
Have ownership or possession of;
He owns three houses in Florida
How many cars does she have?
Possess
Enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas;
What possessed you to buy this house?
A terrible rage possessed her
