To possess something means to own it or have it in your control. When you possess a rare baseball card, it belongs to you. When a library possesses thousands of books, those books are part of its collection.

The word goes beyond just physical ownership, though. You can possess qualities or abilities: a student might possess great determination, meaning that determination is part of who they are. A talented musician possesses skill that took years to develop. Some people possess the ability to stay calm under pressure, while others possess a natural curiosity about how things work.

In ghost stories and supernatural tales, the word takes on a spookier meaning: when a spirit possesses someone, it takes control of their body and actions. This dramatic usage shows how possession involves deep control or connection, not simply having something nearby.

The related word possessions refers to the things you own, like your clothes, books, and games. When moving to a new house, families pack up all their possessions. Some people accumulate many possessions throughout their lives, while others prefer to own fewer things.