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possession
/pəˈzɛʃən/
ownership or control of something
She took possession of the house after signing the deed.
She became the legal owner of the house after completing the paperwork.
general
The state of having or owning something
The athlete's possession of the ball was crucial for the team's victory.
Having control of the ball was important for the team to win.
Can refer to physical objects, abstract concepts, or legal rights.
general
A thing that is owned or possessed
His most prized possession was his grandfather's pocket watch.
The item he valued most was his grandfather's pocket watch.
Often used to describe something valuable or meaningful to someone.
Law
legal
The act of taking control or ownership
The court granted possession of the property to the rightful heirs.
The legal decision gave ownership of the property to the heirs.
In legal contexts, possession often refers to the right to use or control something.
Collocations
take possessionto gain control or ownership of somethinglose possessionto no longer have control or ownershipin possession ofhaving or holding something
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal vs. everyday use
In legal contexts, possession often refers to the right to use or control something, while in everyday language, it can imply a sense of belonging or attachment.
Gold Rule
Possession vs. ownership
Possession refers to having or holding something, while ownership refers to the legal right to something.
Word Origin
From Middle English possessioun, from Old French possession, from Latin possessio, from possidere (to possess).
Usage Notes
In legal contexts, possession can refer to both physical control and legal ownership. In everyday language, it often implies a sense of belonging or attachment.
Word Breakdown
possess
to have or own
root-ion
the state or condition of
suffixEnglish Dictionary