possession

 
Pronunciation: /pəˈzɛʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the state of having, owning, or controlling something: she had taken possession of the sofa the book came into my possession he remains in full possession of his sanity
  • Law visible power or control over something, as distinct from lawful ownership; holding or occupancy as distinct from ownership: the landlord wishes to gain possession of the accommodation
  • informal the state of possessing an illegal drug: they’re charged with possession
  • (in soccer, rugby, and other ball games) temporary control of the ball by a player or team: the ball hit a defender and Brown’s quick reaction put him in possession
  • 2 (usually possessions) something that is owned or possessed: I had no money or possessions that photograph was Bert’s most precious possession
  • a territory or country controlled or governed by another: France’s former colonial possessions
  • 3 [mass noun] the state of being controlled by a demon or spirit: they said prayers to protect the people inside the hall from demonic possession
  • the state of being completely dominated by an idea or emotion: fear took possession of my soul

Derivatives

possessionless

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, from Latin possessio(n-), from the verb possidere (see possess)

Grammar

A term used in grammar to mean that something belongs to someone or something else. With nouns we show possession by the use of the possessive apostrophe: Sue’s bungalow The Government’s admission Pronouns change their form and can be used as possessive pronouns and possessive determiners: