possession etymology

Etymology

The word "possession" is derived from the Latin word "possessio," which means "holding" or "ownership." It is also related to the Latin word "possessor," meaning "owner."

Meaning

The term "possession" has several related meanings:

  • Ownership: The legal right to have, use, and dispose of property.
  • Control: The actual physical control of something, regardless of ownership.
  • Something owned or controlled: An object, person, or territory that is under ownership or control.
  • A state of being possessed: A condition in which a person or thing is controlled by an external force, such as a spirit or demon.

Origin

The concept of possession has been present in human societies for millennia. The Sumerian and Babylonian legal codes from the 21st century BC mention possession as a legal right. In ancient Rome, the concept of "possessio" was central to property law.

The philosophical and theological concepts of possession have also been debated throughout history. Plato and Aristotle discussed possession in relation to knowledge and virtue. Christian theologians have debated the nature of demonic possession and the role of exorcism.

In the modern era, the concept of possession continues to be used in both legal and non-legal contexts. It is an important concept in property law, contract law, and criminal law. It is also used in psychology and psychiatry to describe the state of being controlled by external forces.

possession relate terms

  • possess

    Etymology From Middle English possessen from Old French possessir from Latin possess

  • possession

    Etymology The word possession is derived from the Latin word possessio which means

  • possessed

    Etymology Old French possesser Latin possidere Stem pot power ability Morpheme

  • tenet

    Etymology Latin teneō meaning to hold keep or possess Meaning A principle

  • repossession

    Etymology The term repossession is derived from Latin roots re meaning back or

  • possession

    Etymology The word possession is derived from the Latin word possessio which means

  • self possession

    Etymology self adverb possession noun Meaning Confidence in oneself and one

  • possession

    Etymology The word possession is derived from the Latin word possessio which means

  • monomania

    Etymology From Greek monomanēs mad about one thing from monos single mania

  • possessive

    Etymology The word possessive is derived from the Latin word possessus meaning posse

  • seize

    Etymology The word seize originated from the Middle English word seisen which in tur

  • requirement

    Etymology Derived from the Latin word requisitio meaning a seeking search demand

  • qualitative

    Qualitative Etymology Meaning The study of the origins and development of words with a f

  • realty

    Etymology Real 1300s late Middle English via Old French réel from Latin realis mean

  • eviction

    Etymology Derived from the Middle English word evicten meaning to recover or regain

  • enchantment

    Etymology The word enchantment derives from the Old French word enchantement which

  • assets

    Etymology The word assets comes from the Old French word assetz which means enough

  • mania

    Etymology Greek mania meaning madness frenzy Meaning and Origin In its psych