Possessed by Meaning in English
expression · lemma: possess
Definition
Describes someone or something being controlled or strongly influenced by another force, spirit, feeling, or idea. Often used for supernatural spirits, but also in a figurative sense for emotions or obsessions.
Usage & Nuances
Often used with "spirit" or "demon" for supernatural context, but also figuratively ('possessed by fear', 'possessed by an idea'). Formal/literary in supernatural contexts; figurative use common in daily speech. Not the same as 'owned by'.
Example Sentences
He was possessed by a strange spirit.
basic
She seemed possessed by anger.
basic
He acted as if he was possessed by an idea.
basic
Sometimes it feels like I'm possessed by stress at work.
natural
When he dances, it's like he's possessed by music.
natural
The writer was possessed by inspiration all night long.
natural