Possession Meaning

UK /pəˈzɛʃ(ə)n/
US /pəˈzɛʃən/
Word Definition
possession meaning

Possession Definition & Usage

noun

The state of having or owning something, especially as one's property.

Examples

  • "The house was his sole possession after the inheritance."
  • "She lost all her possessions in the fire, including her family photos."
  • "I made sure my passport was the most secure possession in my bag."
  • "The museum displayed ancient possessions of historical significance."
  • "They proudly displayed their rare and valuable possessions on the mantle."
noun

The state of being under the control or influence of something or someone.

Examples

  • "The company was in the possession of the largest market share in the industry."
  • "His obsession with technology was almost a possession that dominated his life."
  • "After years of struggling with addiction, he felt like he was in the possession of his demons."
  • "The cult leader had complete possession over his followers' actions and thoughts."
  • "The villain's possession of the magical stone made him nearly unstoppable."
noun

A condition in which a person is believed to be controlled by a supernatural force, often evil or malevolent.

Examples

  • "The exorcist was called in to rid the house of a spirit's possession."
  • "People in the village whispered about her sudden possession by an evil spirit."
  • "The movie portrayed a chilling tale of demonic possession."
  • "Some cultures believe that mental illness may be a sign of spiritual possession."
  • "The girl's erratic behavior was attributed to possession by a malevolent force."

Cultural Context

The concept of 'possession' has evolved across different cultures and time periods. In legal terms, possession often refers to the physical control or ownership of property. In spiritual and supernatural contexts, possession has been used to describe the control of a person by an external force, particularly in cases of exorcisms and religious rites. In modern usage, the word often carries implications of both material wealth and intangible power.

The Possession of Power

Story

The Possession of Power

In the quiet town of Eldridge, everyone had heard of the legendary mansion on the hill. It was said to hold more than just valuables—it held the power to change a person’s destiny. When the young historian, Rachel, arrived at the mansion to catalogue its artifacts, she wasn’t prepared for the strange force that seemed to surround her. At first, it was subtle: whispers when she touched certain items, a tingling sensation in her fingertips when she held an ancient relic. But soon, it became undeniable. As Rachel explored the mansion's dusty halls, she began to feel an overwhelming sense of ownership over the objects she catalogued. It was as though they weren’t just artifacts, but something more—a part of her, a possession that was meant to be hers. But as the days passed, the line between ownership and possession blurred. The more she handled the objects, the more they seemed to control her. She found herself obsessively researching their origins, unable to escape their grip. One night, as she examined a particularly ornate mirror, she saw not her own reflection but the face of a long-dead ancestor, trapped within the glass. The mirror, she realized, was more than a possession—it was a vessel for something far darker. In her attempt to leave, Rachel understood the true meaning of possession: not just ownership, but the overwhelming influence something can have over your mind, your will, and your soul. As she fled the mansion, she left behind more than just the artifacts—she left a part of herself behind too, forever bound to the objects she once controlled.

The Possession of Power