prepossess

verb

pre·​pos·​sess ˌprē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce prepossess (audio)
 also  -ˈses
prepossessed; prepossessing; prepossesses

transitive verb

1
obsolete : to take previous possession of
2
: to cause to be preoccupied
3
: to influence beforehand especially favorably

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepossess was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near prepossess

Cite this Entry

“Prepossess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepossess. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

prepossess

verb
pre·​pos·​sess ˌprē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce prepossess (audio)
1
2
: to influence beforehand especially so as to win approval

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