possession

noun

US /pəˈzeʃ(ə)n/

Word Forms

singular	possession
plural	possessions

1
countable usually pluralsomething that you own
Their family home and possessions were destroyed in the fire.
all your worldly possessions (=everything that you own)
a prized/treasured possession (=one that is very important to you):
Her most prized possession is a locket that she wears constantly.
Synonyms and related words
General words for possessions
real estate
property
stuff
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with possession
▪ material, personal, precious, prized, treasured, valued, worldly
2
uncountable formala situation in which you have or own something
possession of:
The seller is entitled to retain possession of the goods until they are paid for.
Synonyms and related words
Owners and ownership
owner
holder
proprietor
3
uncountable the crime of owning something illegal, for example drugs or weapons
She was arrested for possession of narcotics.
The brothers were caught in possession of stolen property.
Synonyms and related words
Relating to using illegal drugs
abuse
addiction
a monkey on your back
Synonyms and related words
Miscellaneous crimes
accession
agriterrorism
bigamy
4
countable usually plurala country’s possessions are other countries that it governs
France and her overseas possessions
Synonyms and related words
Invading and taking control by force
invade
occupy
suppress
5
uncountable if you have possession in a team game such as football or basketball, you have the ball
Synonyms and related words
Actions in playing games or sports
backhand
backhander
ball
6
uncountable a situation in which someone is controlled by an evil spirit
Synonyms and related words
Demons and demonic possession
accursed
cursed
demon
7
possession is nine-tenths of the law
having custody of something brings a strong legal claim.
They might claim ownership of the house, but we are living in it, and possession is nine-tenths of the law.
Submitted by:
Emran Khoshrouye Ghiasi from Iran, Islamic Republic of on 21/05/2019
Open Dictionary - May2019

phrases

be in possession of something

in full possession of your faculties/senses

in someone’s possession

take possession (of)

possession ​‌‌

possession is nine-tenths of the law

possession ​‌‌

possession is nine-tenths of the law

possession

possession