Possess vs. Posses — What's the Difference?

Have as belonging to one; own

A group of civilians called upon by a sheriff or other law enforcement official to assist temporarily in preserving the peace or pursuing and arresting a fugitive. Also called posse comitatus.

(of a demon or spirit, especially an evil one) have complete power over (someone) and be manifested through their speech or actions

A search party.

(of a man) have sexual intercourse with

A gang involved in crimes such as running guns and illegal narcotics trafficking.

Maintain (oneself or one's mind or soul) in a state of patience or quiet

(Slang) A group of friends or associates.

To have as property; own

Plural of posse

(Law) To have under one's power or control

To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute

To have mastery or knowledge of

To gain control or power over. Used of a demon or spirit.

To occupy fully the mind or feelings of

Often Offensive To have sexual intercourse with (a woman).

(Archaic) To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition

(Archaic) To cause (oneself) to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge.

(Archaic) To gain or seize.

(transitive)

To have (something) as, or as if as, an owner; to have, to own.

Of an idea, thought, etc.: to dominate (someone's mind); to strongly influence.

Of a supernatural entity, especially one regarded as evil: to take control of (an animal or person's body or mind).

Of a person: to control or dominate (oneself or someone, or one's own or someone's heart, mind, etc.).

(archaic)

(law) To have control or possession of, but not to own (a chattel or an interest in land).

(obsolete)

(intransitive)

To dominate sexually; to have sexual intercourse with.

To inhabit or occupy a place.

To occupy in person; to hold or actually have in one's own keeping; to have and to hold.

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.

To obtain occupation or possession of; to accomplish; to gain; to seize.

To enter into and influence; to control the will of; to fill; to affect; - said especially of evil spirits, passions, etc.

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.

Have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill;

Have ownership or possession of;

Enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas;