pos·sess 
/pəˈzɛs/ verb
pos·sess·es; pos·sessed; pos·sess·ing /pəˈzɛs/ verb [+ obj] 1 formal : to have or own (something)
▪ nations that possess nuclear weapons ▪ The defendant was charged with possessing cocaine. ▪ The ruby was once possessed by an ancient queen. ▪ He dreams of someday possessing great wealth. 2 : to have or show (a particular quality, ability, skill, etc.)
▪ He possesses a keen wit. ▪ The drug possesses the potential to suppress tumors. ▪ Do dolphins possess the ability to use language? 3 a of spirits : to enter into and control (someone) — often used as (be) possessed ▪ The movie is about a child who is possessed by a demon.
b of emotions : to have a powerful effect on (someone)
▪ They were possessed by fear. [=they were very afraid] ▪ A terrible rage possessed her at that moment. [=she became filled with rage] ▪ Whatever possessed him to say such a stupid thing? [=why did he say such a stupid thing?] ▪ She was acting like a fool. I don't know what possessed her. [=I don't know why she acted that way]
▪ nations that possess nuclear weapons ▪ The defendant was charged with possessing cocaine. ▪ The ruby was once possessed by an ancient queen. ▪ He dreams of someday possessing great wealth.
▪ He possesses a keen wit. ▪ The drug possesses the potential to suppress tumors. ▪ Do dolphins possess the ability to use language?
b of emotions : to have a powerful effect on (someone)
▪ They were possessed by fear. [=they were very afraid] ▪ A terrible rage possessed her at that moment. [=she became filled with rage] ▪ Whatever possessed him to say such a stupid thing? [=why did he say such a stupid thing?] ▪ She was acting like a fool. I don't know what possessed her. [=I don't know why she acted that way]
be possessed of
literary : to have (a particular quality, ability, skill, etc.)
▪ He is a man who is possessed of great talent. [=a man who has great talent]
▪ He is a man who is possessed of great talent. [=a man who has great talent]
