possess to have as property,own She possessed herself of the unclaimed goods. The millionaire possesses some interesting pictures. to control or maintain (one's nature)in a particular condition I possessed my temper despite the insult. The thought of getting rich possessed him.possess • to have as property, own She possessed herself of the unclaimed goods. The millionaire possesses some interesting pictures. • to control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition I possessed my temper despite the insult. The thought of getting rich possessed him