possess
Definitions
To have or own something
拥有，持有
To have a quality, skill, or feature
具备（品质、能力、特征）
(of an emotion, idea, or spirit) to dominate or take control of someone
（情绪、念头、鬼魂）控制，迷住，附身
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin potis (able, having power) + sedēre (sit) = 'to be able to sit upon' — to occupy a seat, and so to hold and own. To possess land was to plant yourself on it. The eerie sense (a spirit possesses you) keeps the image: it sits inside you and takes the seat of control.
Root sit still carries 98 more wordsUsage Guide
Formal compared to 'own' or 'have': you 'have a car' in conversation but 'possess illegal firearms' in a court report. The idiom 'what possessed you (to do X)?' expresses shock at an irrational act. Note the spelling — double s twice (pos-sess).
Example Sentences
- 1.
He was arrested for possessing illegal weapons.
- 2.
She possesses a rare gift for languages.
- 3.
What on earth possessed you to say that?