If someone is described as being possessed by an evil spirit, it is believed that their mind and body are controlled by an evil spirit.
She even claimed the couple's daughter was possessed by the devil. [+ by]
He behaved like someone possessed.
Synonyms: crazed, haunted, cursed, obsessed More Synonyms of possessed
2. adjective [v-link ADJof n]
If someone or something is possessed of a particular quality, ability, or feature, they have that quality, ability, or feature. If someone is possessed of a particular feeling or belief, they have that feeling or belief.
[formal]
He is possessed of the most brilliant talents.
She was possessed of a terrifying sensation that the life was being squeezed slowlyout of her.
3. See also possess
possessed in British English
(pəˈzɛst)
adjective
1. (foll by of)
owning or having
2. (usually postpositive)
under the influence of a powerful force, such as a spirit or strong emotion
3. a less common word for self-possessed
possessed in American English
(pəˈzɛst)
adjective
1.
owned
2.
controlled by an emotion or as if by an evil spirit; crazed; mad
3.
self-possessed
Idioms:
possessed of
Examples of 'possessed' in a sentence
possessed
They have assured me that you possess certain powers, powers which are only possessed by the truly awakened.
Bringle, Mary DEATH OF AN UNKNOWN MAN (2002)
Like that lady, she possessed the gift of understanding to a high degree.
Brent-Dyer, Elinor CHALLENGE FOR THE CHALET SCHOOL (2002)
Emerson had flung himself over the edge and was bounding down the giant staircase like a man possessed.
Elizabeth Peters LION IN THE VALLEY (2002)
In other languages
possessed
British English: possessed ADJECTIVE
If someone is described as being possessed by an evil spirit, it is believed that their mind and body are controlled by an evil spirit.
She even claimed the couple's daughter was possessed by the devil.
American English: possessed
Brazilian Portuguese: possuído
Chinese: 着魔的
European Spanish: poseído
French: possédé
German: besessen
Italian: posseduto
Japanese: とりつかれた
Korean: 홀린
European Portuguese: possuído
Latin American Spanish: poseído
(adjective)
Definition
under the influence of a powerful force, such as a spirit or strong emotion