dispossess

verb

dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
 also  -ˈses
dispossessed; dispossessing; dispossesses

transitive verb

: to put out of possession or occupancy
dispossessed the nobles of their land
dispossession
ˌdis-pə-ˈze-shən How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
 also  -ˈse-
noun
dispossessor
ˌdis-pə-ˈze-sər How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
 also  -ˈse-
noun

Examples of dispossess in a Sentence

The land was settled by dispossessing the native people who lived here. opponents of gentrification claim that the process unfairly dispossesses poorer residents of their long-established homes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Central took the overtime opening kickoff but were dispossessed by Pacific Ridge center middlefielder Nick Axelson, who pushed the ball into the Spartans’ side of the pitch. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 In the 29th minute, he was dispossessed and Villa countered, with Ollie Watkins getting his toe to a cross and forcing a save from Jorgensen’s boot. Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025 He was not dispossessed at all in the match and was generally a menace to SKC’s players. Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 Schar nipped in and dispossessed him, allowing Anthony Gordon to double their lead. Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispossess

Word History

Etymology

Middle French despossesser, from des- dis- + possesser to possess

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispossess was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispossess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispossess. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

dispossess

verb
dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
: to take away the possession of or the right to occupy land or houses
dispossession noun

Legal Definition

dispossess

transitive verb
dis·​pos·​sess ˌdis-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce dispossess (audio)
: to put out of possession or occupancy compare evict
dispossession noun
dispossessor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dispossess

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