Possession Pəˈzeʃn Stolen Goods State Personal Noun Bre

• the manuscript is just one of the treasures in their possession.
• the gang was caught in possession of stolen goods.
• the possession of a passport is essential for foreign travel.
• on her father's death, she came into possession of (= received) a vast fortune.

possession

1. the state of having or owning something
• see also vacant possession
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/vacant-possession
• The manuscript is just one of the treasures in their possession.
• The gang was caught in possession of stolen goods.
• The possession of a passport is essential for foreign travel.
• On her father's death, she came into possession of (= received) a vast fortune.
• You cannot legally take possession of the property (= start using it after buying it) until three weeks after the contract is signed.
2. something that you own or have with you at a particular time
• synonym belongings
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/belongings
• personal possessions
• The ring is one of her most treasured possessions.
• Please make sure you have all your possessions with you when leaving the plane.
• Shall I help you pack your things?
• Bring your swimming things.
• Where’s all my stuff?
• This building is government property.
• Be careful not to damage other people’s property.
• Prisoners were allowed no personal possessions except letters and photographs.
• I’ve cleared out all that old junk from the attic.
• Please make sure you have all your belongings with you when leaving the plane.
• He was found guilty of handling stolen goods.
• Never leave cash or other valuables lying around.
3. the state of having control of the ball
• to win/get/lose possession of the ball
• The home team had most of the possession in the first half.
4. the state of having illegal drugs or weapons with you at a particular time
• She was charged with possession.
5. a country that is controlled or governed by another country
• The former colonial possessions are now independent states.
6. the situation when somebody’s mind is believed to be controlled by the Devil or by an evil spirit
7. to enable somebody to be successful in a particular area of activity because other people or groups have given up competing with them
• The complete disarray of the opposition parties leaves the field clear for the government to implement urgent reforms.
8. if you already have or control something, it is difficult for somebody else to take it away from you, even if they have the legal right to it

Extra Examples

• Drivers must be in possession of a current driving licence.
• He carried all his worldly possessions in an old suitcase.
• Passengers must be in possession of a valid passport.
• The judge made a possession order against the tenant.
• The sports car was her proudest possession.
• The team was struggling to retain possession of the ball.
• They had exclusive possession of the property as tenants.
• They have in their possession some very valuable pictures.
• They were charged with unlawful possession of firearms.
• When do you take possession of your new house?
• the country’s overseas possessions.
• Prisoners were allowed no personal possessions.
• The ring is one of her most treasured/prized possessions.

Word Origin

• Middle English: from Old French, from Latin possessio(n-), from the verb possidere, from potis ‘able, capable’ + sedere ‘sit’.