have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
"he possesses great knowledge about the Middle East"
enter into and control, as of emotions or ideas
"What possessed you to buy this house?"
"A terrible rage possessed her"
To have; to have ownership of.
"The new law ensures that every citizen possesses a unique identification number."
In plain English: To possess something means to own it completely and have full control over it.
"She possesses a special talent for painting landscapes."
The word "possess" entered English via Middle French and Old French forms meaning "to own," which themselves came from the Latin possideō. Originally derived from a root implying ability or capability, it evolved in usage to specifically denote having control over something.