dispossess

verb

dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes 

 also  -ˈses

dispossessed; dispossessing; dispossesses

transitive verb

: to put out of possession or occupancy

dispossessed the nobles of their land

dispossession

ˌdis-pə-ˈze-shən 

 also  -ˈse-

noun

dispossessor

ˌdis-pə-ˈze-sər 

 also  -ˈse-

noun

Synonyms

• divest
• expropriate
• oust

Examples of dispossess in a Sentence

The land was settled by dispossessing the native people who lived here.

opponents of gentrification claim that the process unfairly dispossesses poorer residents of their long-established homes

Recent Examples on the Web

Later, edge rusher Nolan Smith dispossessed Stafford. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025

Guimaraes was dispossessed, and Newcastle fell behind. —Michael Cox, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

This legislation is designed to reward regime loyalists, who will be tasked with the redevelopment of Syria, and to dispossess opponents, including the millions of refugees who either cannot return or who fled without property deeds. —Maha Yahya, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2018

Of the 15 times the visitors were dispossessed on Saturday at Selhurst Park, 11 occurred after half-time. —Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French despossesser, from des- dis- + possesser to possess

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dispossess

verb

dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes 

: to take away the possession of or the right to occupy land or houses

dispossession

-ˈzesh-ən 

noun

Legal Definition

dispossess

transitive verb

dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes 

: to put out of possession or occupancy compare evict

dispossession

-ˈze-shən 

noun

dispossessor

-ˈze-sər 

noun