Possessed: meaning, definitions and examples

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possessed

 

[ pəˈzɛst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or controlled by an evil spirit

Having or showing the belief in the existence of evil spirits that can take control of a person's body or mind. Believing to be under the control or influence of a supernatural force. Often used in the context of demonic possession.

Synonyms

demonic, enchanted, haunted

Examples of usage

  • He seemed possessed, his eyes empty and his voice unfamiliar.
  • She felt possessed by a dark presence, unable to control her actions.
  • The possessed man spoke in a voice not his own, a language long forgotten.
Context #2 | Adjective

owning or having something

Having ownership or control over something. Being in possession of a particular item or quality.

Synonyms

having, holding, owning

Examples of usage

  • She possessed a rare collection of antique books.
  • He possessed great wisdom and knowledge on the subject.
  • The old mansion possessed a mysterious charm that drew visitors in.

Translations

Translations of the word "possessed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 possuído

🇮🇳 अधिकार में लिया हुआ

🇩🇪 besessen

🇮🇩 kerasukan

🇺🇦 одержимий

🇵🇱 opętany

🇯🇵 取り憑かれた (toritsukareta)

🇫🇷 possédé

🇪🇸 poseído

🇹🇷 ele geçirilmiş

🇰🇷 홀린 (hollin)

🇸🇦 ممسوس

🇨🇿 posedlý

🇸🇰 posadnutý

🇨🇳 被附身的 (bèi fù shēn de)

🇸🇮 obseden

🇮🇸 andsetinn

🇰🇿 иеленген

🇬🇪 დაკავებული (dakavebuli)

🇦🇿 sahib olunmuş

🇲🇽 poseído

Word origin

The word 'possessed' comes from the Latin word 'possidēre', which means 'to have' or 'to possess'. Over time, the term evolved to have both supernatural and mundane meanings, reflecting a sense of ownership or control as well as a state of being controlled by external forces. In literature and folklore, the concept of possession has been explored in various ways, from demonic possession to psychological possession.

See also: dispossess, dispossessed, possess, possessing, possession, possessions, possessive, possessor, possessors, repossess, repossessing, repossession.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,979, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.