verb
possess
puh-ZESS/pəˈzes/
To have something as one's own or under one's control.
She possesses her own bicycle and proudly holds its keys.
Etymology
Latin possidere referred to holding something under one's control, especially land. English extended holding or occupying to ownership, while the control sense also underlies possession by a spirit or powerful influence.
In context
we want to encourage people to possess a drug that will save their life versus the possession of heroin that is likely to kill them
More examples
- The museum possesses several paintings by local artists.
- You possess the patience this job requires.
- Only two employees possess keys to the storage room.
Forms
possess · possesses · possessed · possessing
possession noun — The state of owning or controlling something.
possessor noun — A person who owns or holds something.