possession

pos|ses|sion [ pə`zeʃn ] noun **

▸ 1 something you own

▸ 2 having/owning something

▸ 3 having something illegal

▸ 4 country governed

▸ 5 when spirit controls someone

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count usually plural something 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.

2. ) uncount FORMAL a 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.

3. ) uncount 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.

4. ) count usually plural a country's possessions are other countries that it governs:

France and her overseas possessions

5. ) uncount a situation in which someone is controlled by an evil spirit

be in possession of something FORMAL

to have something:

I am in possession of some information that I think will interest you.

in full possession of your faculties/senses

acting in a reasonable and sensible way:

I don't think anyone in full possession of their senses would have acted that way.

in someone's possession FORMAL or have something in your possession

if something is in someone's possession, they have it:

Since his wallet was found in your possession, they'll assume you stole it.

I did not have a copy of the document in my possession.

Unfortunately, we no longer have those records in our possession.

take possession (of)

1. ) to start to own something:

The town of Winterset took possession of the castle in 1947.

2. ) LITERARY if something takes possession of you, it starts to control you or have a strong effect on you:

Fear had taken possession of his soul.

3. ) to start to have or control the ball in a sport such as football:

The Titans will take possession on the 35 yard line.