Possessed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ป
possessed
[pษหzษst ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| possessed |
Used to describe someone or something that is believed to be controlled by a supernatural force, often with a negative connotation.
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| haunted |
Used to describe a place that is believed to be visited by ghosts or spirits, often creating a spooky or eerie atmosphere.
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| demonic |
Refers to something that is influenced by or resembling a demon, often with strong negative and evil connotations.
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| enchanted |
Describes something that is under a magical spell, typically with a more positive or wondrous connotation.
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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.
owning or having something
Having ownership or control over something. Being in possession of a particular item or quality.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| possessed |
Used when someone or something is controlled by a spirit or force, often with a negative connotation.
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| owning |
Used for legal possession or when someone officially possesses a property or item.
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| having |
Used for general possession of objects, qualities, or experiences.
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| holding |
Used when someone is physically grasping something or for temporary possession.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Films like 'The Exorcist' popularized the idea of being possessed by evil spirits, creating a genre focused on horror and the supernatural.
- Songs and literature often metaphorically use 'possessed' to describe deep feelings, such as love or obsession.
Psychology
- In psychology, being 'possessed' can symbolize being overwhelmed by emotions or thoughts that feel outside of one's control.
- The concept of possession in a metaphorical sense can also relate to concepts like identity and self-awareness.
Literature
- Shakespeare often portrayed characters as 'possessed' by ambition or madness, reflecting the struggle between control and chaos.
- Gothic literature frequently explores themes of possession, where characters deal with inner demons or supernatural influences.
Religious Beliefs
- Many religions around the world have narratives of possession, where individuals are believed to be taken over by divine or malevolent spirits.
- Rituals and practices like exorcism have developed in various cultures as a way to address or cure possession.
Origin of 'possessed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'possidere', which means 'to have or hold', combining 'ponere' (to place) and 'sedere' (to sit).
- In Middle English, 'possessed' was used to describe owning property, but over time, it evolved to its current psychological and spiritual meanings.
The word 'possessed' comes from the Latin word 'possidฤre', 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.