possession

Universal Words noun having / owning 1 [U] (formal) the state of having or owning sth: The manuscript is just one of the treasures in their possession. * The gang was caught in possession of stolen goods. * The possession of a passport is essential for foreign travel. * On her father's death, she came into possession of (= received) a vast fortune. * You cannot legally take possession of the property (= start using it after buying it) until three weeks after the contract is signed. seealsoVACANTPOSSESSION 2 [C,usually pl.] something that you own or have with you at a particular time SYNBELONGINGS: personal possessions * The ring is one of her most treasured possessions. * Please make cure you have all your possessions with you when leaving the plane. in sport 3 [U] the state of having control of the ball: to win / get / lose possession of the ball * The home team had most of the possession in the first half. law 4 [U] the state of having illegal drugs or weapons with you at a particular time: She was charged with possession. country 5 [C] (formal) a country that is controlled or governed by another country: The former colonial possessions are now independent states. by the devil 6 [U] the situation when sb's mind is believed to be controlled by the devil or by an evil spirit IDIOMS see FIELDn.