possession
noun
uk/pəˈzeʃən/ us [ U ]
the situation in which someone has or owns something:
in sb's possession No steps may be taken to repossess goods in the company's possession except with the leave of the court.
have possession of sth The Court of Appeal admitted that Ms Mountford did have exclusive possession of the property.
in possession of sth The ruling did not establish that he was in possession of the disputed land.
See also
freehold possession
immediate possession
leasehold possession
private possession
quiet possession
vacant possession
[ C, usually plural ]
something that someone owns or has with them at a particular time:
The value of his possessions came to about $1 million.
material/personal possessions
get/take possession of sth
to start to use and control goods, a building, or a piece of land, whether you own them or not:
Was the bank entitled to take possession of his property and exercise its power of sale without an order of the court?
The court appointed a receiver to take possession of the assets of the company.
[ U ] LAW
the crime of having illegal drugs or illegally owning a gun:
He is wanted by police on charges of possession of illegal firearms.