take possession

To become the owner of something, often when it is officially handed over.

• They took possession of the house yesterday.
• When will you take possession of your apartment?
• The buyer has taken possession of the land.

How to use it: take possession of something (We take possession of our new house on Friday.)

Similar words: acquire, become the owner of

Common phrases: take possession today, take possession tomorrow

To get control of something, sometimes by force or by taking it from someone else.

• Our team took possession of the ball.
• The troops took possession of the bridge.
• Police have taken possession of the stolen goods.

How to use it: take possession of something (The police took possession of the documents.)

Similar words: seize, take control of

Opposites: relinquish

Common phrases: take possession quickly, take possession again

To accept responsibility for looking after or managing something.

• The guardian took possession of the child.
• The new manager took possession of the department’s records.
• Who will take possession of the equipment for safekeeping?

How to use it: take possession of someone/something (The guardian took possession of the child under the court order.)

Similar words: take charge of, assume responsibility for

Common phrases: take possession formally, take possession temporarily

To become so strong in someone’s mind that it controls their thoughts or actions.

• Anger took possession of him.
• A strange spirit seemed to take possession of her.
• Jealousy had taken possession of his thoughts.

How to use it: take possession of someone/something (Fear took possession of her mind.)

Similar words: possess, consume, dominate

Common phrases: take possession completely, take possession gradually

To settle in a place and begin using it as your own space.

• The cat took possession of the empty bedroom.
• We took possession of our rooms and unpacked.
• By evening, the guests had taken possession of every spare corner.

How to use it: take possession of somewhere (She took possession of the spare room and unpacked.)

Similar words: occupy, settle in

Opposites: vacate

Common phrases: take possession quietly, take possession upstairs