take possession

Verb

take possession (third-person singular simple present takes possession, present participle taking possession, simple past took possession, past participle taken possession)

1. To become the owner.
   • On June 22 1887, he said, “We look confidently for the time when the Government will take possession of the mines and machinery of this country, and work them for the benefit of the country, and not in the selfish interests of capitalists".1932, Herbert Faulkner West, A Modern Conquistador:, page 64
   • This is his only remedy, however; unlike the mortgagee, he cannot take possession or foreclose.1967, Bernard Rudden, Hywel Moseley, Gerald Dacre Nokes, An outline of the law of mortgages, page 12
2. To seize or get control over.
   • When he approached near the enemy, his first care was to take possession of an advantageous post.183?, Charles Rollin, The Ancient History of the Egyptians, Grecians, and Macedonians, page 369
   • The Economist, London, advises the Government to despatch immediately an expedition to take possession of the Upper Nile Valley in the name of England.1894, The Literary Digest - Volume 10
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.1899, Timothy Dwight, Julian Hawthorne, The World's great classics - Volume 50, page 2
   • It is beyond comprehension that he should hesitate long ere resolving to step into and take possession of such a rich and glorious heritage.1937, Alfred Gordon Bennett, Cinemania: Aspects of Filmic Creation, page 422
4. To become established in.
   • There my trouble ended; sweet peace again took possession of my heart; the tide turned in my favor.1860, James Caughey, Ralph William Allen, Showers of Blessing from Clouds of Mercy, page 391
   • Strange to say, that her picture vanished from my mind entirely when slumber took possession of me.1880, James Greenwood, Jack Stedfast, Or, Wreck and Rescue, page 28
5. 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.1894, Mrs. Humphry Ward, Marcella, page 422
   • 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 it2008, Sarah Richardson, Melanie Cunningham, Broken Boundaries - Stories of Betrayal in Relationships of Care, page 63