repossess

verb

re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
 also  -ˈses
repossessed; repossessing; repossesses

transitive verb

1
a
: to regain possession of
b
: to take possession of (something bought) from a buyer in default of the payment of installments due
2
: to restore to possession
repossession
ˌrē-pə-ˈze-shən How to pronounce repossess (audio)
 also  -ˈse-
noun
repossessor
ˌrē-pə-ˈze-sər How to pronounce repossess (audio)
 also  -ˈse-
noun

Examples of repossess in a Sentence

The bank repossessed her truck. if you don't pay off the loan, the bank will come and repossess your car
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The official filing imposed an automatic stay on most collection activities, prohibiting creditors from suing, garnishing wages, repossessing property, or demanding repayment through mail or phone. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Specifically, the county has had to borrow a copy machine from the library because the county could not pay a bill to a related company and several copy machines were repossessed. Eplunus Colvin, arkansasonline.com, 28 Jan. 2025 With the end of his makeshift home just around the corner, Keitaro commits to launching a firework his father left behind before the building is repossessed. Jamie Lang, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025 Somehow, this all led to Angie tweeting that Lisa’s car was repossessed, which Heather (who, on account of losing her voice, sounds like Harvey Fierstein) points out was information that came from Bronwyn. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repossess

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of repossess was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repossess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repossess. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

repossess

verb
re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
: to regain or retake possession of
repossession noun

Legal Definition

repossess

transitive verb
re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
: to regain possession of
especially : to take possession of again by judicial process or self-help upon default of the payment of installments due compare foreclose, seize sense 2
repossessor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on repossess

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