take possession

Definitions

1. 1

   To become the owner.

   • This is his only remedy, however; unlike the mortgagee, he cannot take possession or foreclose.
   • He returned to Lancashire; took possession of the property at Manchester; and many years elapsed before he received the mysterious intimation of his father's real death.
2. 2

   To seize or get control over.

   • When he approached near the enemy, his first care was to take possession of an advantageous post.
   • The Economist, London, advises the Government to despatch immediately an expedition to take possession of the Upper Nile Valley in the name of England.
3. 3

   To assume responsibility for.

   • On the death of his grandfather, Ferdinand, in 1516, Charles took possession of the throne of Spain by the title of Charles I, his mother, Joanna, being of disordered intellect and incapable of reigning.
   • It is beyond comprehension that he should hesitate long ere resolving to step into and take possession of such a rich and glorious heritage.
   • In this sense industrial civilisation is coming to take possession of its own heritage.
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   1. 4

      To become established in.

      • There my trouble ended; sweet peace again took possession of my heart; the tide turned in my favor.
      • Strange to say, that her picture vanished from my mind entirely when slumber took possession of me.
      • The reason for this is that the permanent lawn grasses take several years to get well established, but when they do finally take possession of the ground, the best of results continue for years.
   2. 5

      To possess

      To possess; to dominate or control the mind of.

      • Passion would require to present itself in new forms, if it was now to take possession of him again.
      • You took possession of my heart and shattered it You took possession of my body and made it your own You took possession of my soul and raped it
      • No Sir, not I, but Satan—who took possession of me and tormented me until I did it.

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