possess

verb

1. To have (something) as, or as if as, an owner; to have, to own.

   “He does not even possess a working telephone.”

2. Of an idea, thought, etc.: to dominate (someone's mind); to strongly influence.

3. Of a supernatural entity, especially one regarded as evil: to take control of (an animal or person's body or mind).

   “They thought he was possessed by evil spirits.”

4. (also reflexive, chiefly literary and poetic) Of a person: to control or dominate (oneself or someone, or one's own or someone's heart, mind, etc.).

5. To dominate (a person) sexually; to have sexual intercourse with (a person).

6. (archaic) To cause an idea, thought, etc., to strongly affect or influence (someone); to inspire, to preoccupy.

   “What on earth possessed you to go walking by the quarry at midnight?”

7. (archaic) To occupy the attention or time of (someone).

8. (archaic) (also literary) To obtain or seize (something); to gain, to win.

9. (archaic) (also reflexive) Chiefly followed by of or with: to vest ownership of something in (oneself or someone); to bestow upon, to endow.

10. (law) To have control or possession of, but not to own (a chattel or an interest in land).

11. (obsolete) To give (someone) information or knowledge; to acquaint, to inform.

12. (obsolete) To have the ability to use, or knowledge of (a language, a skill, etc.)

13. (obsolete) To inhabit or occupy (a place).

14. (obsolete) Chiefly followed by that: to convince or persuade (someone).