1 [noncount] formal : the condition of having or owning something
▪ She is old but still has (full) possession of her senses/faculties. [=she is still able to think clearly] ▪ I have in my possession [=I possess] silverware that has been passed down in my family for generations. ▪ The city can take possession of the abandoned buildings. ▪ She came into possession of a rare silver coin. 2 [count] : something that is owned or possessed by someone
▪ The family lost all of its possessions in the fire. ▪ This ring was my mother's most precious possession. ▪ personal possessions [=belongings] 3 [noncount] law : the crime of having something that is illegal (such as a drug or weapon)
▪ The defendant was charged with heroin possession. ▪ possession of stolen property 4 [count] : a country that is controlled or governed by another country
▪ The U.S. has several possessions in the Pacific Ocean. 5 sports a [noncount] : control of the ball or puck in a game
▪ He took too long to shoot and lost possession of the puck. ▪ He did not have possession of the ball before he was knocked out of bounds.
b [count] American football : a time when a team has control of the ball and is trying to score
▪ They scored a touchdown on each of their first two possessions. 6 [noncount] : the state of being controlled by a usually evil spirit
▪ demonic possession