possessed

adjective

pos·​sessed pə-ˈzest 

 also  -ˈsest

1

a(1)

: influenced or controlled by something (such as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea)

(2)

: mad, crazed

b

: urgently desirous to do or have something

2

obsolete : held as a possession

3

: self-possessed, calm

possessedly

pə-ˈze-səd-lē 

-ˈzest-lē

 also  -ˈse-səd-

 or  -ˈsest-

adverb

possessedness

pə-ˈze-səd-nəs 

-ˈzest-nəs

 also  -ˈse-səd-

 or  -ˈsest-

noun

Synonyms

• calm
• collected
• composed
• cool
• coolheaded
• equal
• level
• limpid
• peaceful
• placid
• recollected
• sedate
• self-composed
• self-possessed
• serene
• smooth
• together
• tranquil
• undisturbed
• unperturbed
• unruffled
• unshaken
• untroubled
• unworried

Examples of possessed in a Sentence

a horror movie about a possessed child

remarkably poised and possessed in the midst of all the turmoil

Recent Examples on the Web

The two-hour runtime and slow boil storytelling make the full unveiling of Linda Blair’s possessed, demonic Regan all the more devastating, providing a horror monster whose salvation is all too easy to root for. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024

Blair, who played the possessed main character, reportedly faced backlash for playing the role. —Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

The suspect was a parolee at large and possessed drug paraphernalia. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 10 July 2024

The period horror film, which hits theaters this weekend, stars David Dastmalchian as the host of a Johnny Carson-era late-night talk show who invites a possessed guest to boost ratings on Halloween night. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing possessed

• be possessed of
• like a man/woman possessed
• self-possessed
• whatever possessed him/her/you/them
• what possessed him/her/you/them