What does "prepossess" mean?
Chiefly followed by by or with: to preoccupy (someone) in an emotional or mental way, so as to preclude other things.
Prepossess
/ˌpɹiːpəˈzɛs/ verb
verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Chiefly followed by by or with: to preoccupy (someone) in an emotional or mental way, so as to preclude other things.
- Grammar: prepossess is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: absorb, accroach, adopt, appropriate.
- Useful contrasts: alienate, disfavor, repel.
- Usage evidence: [I]ndeed the Legate [Alberic of Ostia] came not vvith a virgin-judgement, but raviſhed vvith prejudice; being prepoſſeſſed vvith this intent to diſpoſſeſſe him [Rodolphus, or Ralph of Domfront] of his place.
How to use "prepossess"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "prepossess" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "prepossess" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "prepossess" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "prepossess" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "prepossess" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "absorb" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "prepossess", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 Chiefly followed by by or with: to preoccupy (someone) in an emotional or mental way, so as to preclude other things. transitive
"[I]ndeed the Legate [Alberic of Ostia] came not vvith a virgin-judgement, but raviſhed vvith prejudice; being prepoſſeſſed vvith this intent to diſpoſſeſſe him [Rodolphus, or Ralph of Domfront] of his place."
- 2 influence (somebody's) opinion in advance wordnet
- 3 To cause (someone) to have a previous inclination against, for, or to something; to bias or prejudice; specifically, to induce in (someone) a favourable opinion beforehand, or at the outset. broadly, transitive
"So Juſtice, which ſhould runne downe like a ſtreame, though it ariſeth out of a pure Fountaine, out of the breaſt of a ſincere and incorrupted Judge; yet if formerly it hath paſſed through the Mines of Gold and Silver, I meane, through bad Servants, who have taken bribes to prepoſſeſſe the Judge their Maſter with the prejudice of falſe informations, Juſtice hereby may be ſtrangely perverted and corrupted."
- 4 make a positive impression (on someone) beforehand wordnet
- 5 To cause (someone) to think a certain way. obsolete, transitive
"[T]his brief Inventory I have here given as preparatory to vvhat follovvs, and to pre-poſſeſs the Reader, 1. That a natural Indagation according to the light of natural Reaſon touching the Origination of ſuch a Creature as this, is no contemptible or unvvorthy enquiry."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 cause to be preoccupied wordnet
- 7 To occupy or possess (something) beforehand. obsolete, transitive
"All paſſages out of their campe Martius [Gaius Lucius Marcius Septimus] hath prepoſſeſſed, ſo that there is no vvay to eſcape, ſaue by leaping dovvne the Rampart: […]"
- 8 possess beforehand wordnet
- 9 Chiefly followed by of or with: to cause (oneself) to obtain possession of something beforehand, or ahead of someone else. obsolete, reflexive, transitive
"to prepossess oneself of land"
Antonyms
Example
"[I]ndeed the Legate [Alberic of Ostia] came not vvith a virgin-judgement, but raviſhed vvith prejudice; being prepoſſeſſed vvith this intent to diſpoſſeſſe him [Rodolphus, or Ralph of Domfront] of his place."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "prepossess"?
Common synonyms include: absorb, accroach, adopt, appropriate, arrogate, assume.
How do you use "prepossess" in a sentence?
[I]ndeed the Legate [Alberic of Ostia] came not vvith a virgin-judgement, but raviſhed vvith prejudice; being prepoſſeſſed vvith this intent to diſpoſſeſſe him [Rodolphus, or Ralph of Domfront] of his place.
How do you pronounce "prepossess"?
Pronounced /ˌpɹiːpəˈzɛs/.
Etymology
From pre- (prefix meaning ‘before, earlier in time’) + possess. Cognates * Late Latin prepossessus (“seized beforehand”)