Possessor: meaning, definitions and examples

💼

Add to dictionary

possessor

[pəˈzɛsər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal term

A person who has legal ownership or control over something, such as property or assets.

Synonyms

holder, owner, proprietor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
possessor	Used in formal or legal contexts to indicate someone who has possession of something, often emphasizing the act of possessing rather than ownership. The database listed him as the possessor of the rare artifact She is the current possessor of the family heirloom
owner	Typically used in everyday language to indicate someone who has legal rights and full control over property or goods. She is the owner of a beautiful house in the countryside He became the owner of a new car last week
holder	Commonly used to refer to someone who keeps or maintains an item, usually in contexts like finance, documentation, or legal rights. He is the holder of several patents She is the ticket holder for tonight's event
proprietor	Often used in business contexts, especially to indicate someone who owns a small business or establishment. The local bookstore is run by its proprietor, Mr Smith She is the proprietor of a charming bed and breakfast

Examples of usage

The possessor of the house refused to sell it to anyone else.
The possessor of the stolen goods was arrested by the police.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophical term

In philosophy, a possessor refers to a being capable of having experiences, thoughts, or feelings.

Synonyms

bearer, entity, subject.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
possessor	This term is often used in legal and formal contexts to denote someone who owns or holds something, typically property or rights. The possessor of the land must ensure it is maintained The possessor of the patent has exclusive rights to its use
bearer	This term is used to refer to someone who carries or holds something, often in a formal or ceremonial context. The term can also be used in finance to describe a person presenting a document, like a check, for payment. The bearer of the flag led the procession The check is payable to the bearer
subject	This term is often used in academic and governmental contexts. In academia, it denotes a person or thing being studied. In governance, it often refers to a person under the rule of a sovereign. The subject of the study showed remarkable improvement The king’s subjects were loyal
entity	This term refers to something that exists independently, often used in business, legal or philosophical contexts when describing organizations, beings, or abstract concepts. A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners Understanding each entity’s interests is crucial in negotiations

Examples of usage

According to Descartes, only the mind is the true possessor of consciousness.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'possessor', which means 'owner' or 'holder'.
It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, evolving from a mix of Old French and Middle English influences.
Related terms include 'possess', which also originates from Latin and conveys the idea of ownership.

Legal Perspective

In legal contexts, a possessor is someone who has control over a property, even if they are not the legal owner.
Possession can confer certain rights and responsibilities, impacting property law and disputes.
Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows a possessor to claim ownership of property under specific conditions.

Philosophy

Philosophers debate the nature of possession, including questions of what it means to truly own something.
Some theories suggest that possession involves a relationship, not just a legal status, considering emotional and moral dimensions.
The concept of possession can lead to discussions about attachment, desire, and the nature of self.

Pop Culture

In various fantasy stories, possesses can be enhanced by magical items, influencing characters’ actions and motivations.
The idea of possession is often depicted in horror films, where entities use a character’s body for their purposes.
Famous songs and poems reflect on the feelings associated with possessiveness, love, and relationships.

Psychology

Studies show that the feeling of ownership can enhance attachment to objects, contributing to consumer behaviors.
Understanding possession can reveal insights into identity and self-esteem, highlighting how items can reflect personal value.
Researchers explore 'the endowment effect', where individuals ascribe more value to something simply because they own it.

Translations

Translations of the word "possessor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 possuidor

🇮🇳 स्वामी

🇩🇪 Besitzer

🇮🇩 pemilik

🇺🇦 власник

🇵🇱 posiadacz

🇯🇵 所有者

🇫🇷 propriétaire

🇪🇸 poseedor

🇹🇷 sahip

🇰🇷 소유자

🇸🇦 مالك

🇨🇿 vlastník

🇸🇰 vlastník

🇨🇳 拥有者

🇸🇮 lastnik

🇮🇸 eigandi

🇰🇿 иесі

🇬🇪 მფლობელი

🇦🇿 sahib

🇲🇽 poseedor

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,007, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13004 holistic
13005 tabular
13006 transfusion
13007 possessor
13008 universality
13009 consortium
13010 chrome
...