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Possess vs. Posses — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Possess and Posses

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Definitions

Possess

Have as belonging to one; own
I do not possess a television set

Posses

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.

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

Posses

A search party.

Possess

(of a man) have sexual intercourse with
He just wanted her, to possess her
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Posses

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

Possess

Maintain (oneself or one's mind or soul) in a state of patience or quiet
I tried to possess my soul in patience

Posses

(Slang) A group of friends or associates.

Possess

To have as property; own
Possess great wealth.

Posses

Plural of posse
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Possess

(Law) To have under one's power or control
Possess illegal drugs.

Possess

To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute
Possesses great tact.

Possess

To have mastery or knowledge of
Possess a knowledge of Sanskrit.
Possess valuable information.

Possess

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

Possess

To occupy fully the mind or feelings of
The dancers were possessed by the music.

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

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