repossess

verb

re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
also -ˈses
repossessed; repossessing; repossesses
Synonyms of repossessnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to regain possession of
b
: to take possession of (something bought) from a buyer in default of the payment of installments due
2
: to restore to possession
repossession noun
repossessor
ˌrē-pə-ˈze-sər How to pronounce repossess (audio)
also -ˈse-
noun

Examples of repossess in a Sentence

The bank repossessed her truck. if you don't pay off the loan, the bank will come and repossess your car
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.
Courts have also been reluctant to treat a surname as property that can be repossessed upon divorce. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 His 2023 relief proposal relies on credits issued on Jackson County residents’ next three years of tax bills, which would rely on repossessing tax revenue that had already been dispersed to agencies and school districts. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026 For example, if a vehicle is repossessed after death and sold for less than the amount owed, the lender may seek the deficiency balance from the estate. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 June 2026 Free college is a claim on knowledge no one can repossess. Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for repossess

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repossess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repossess. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

repossess

verb
re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
: to regain or retake possession of
repossession noun

Legal Definition

repossess

transitive verb
re·​pos·​sess ˌrē-pə-ˈzes How to pronounce repossess (audio)
: to regain possession of
especially : to take possession of again by judicial process or self-help upon default of the payment of installments due compare foreclose, seize sense 2
repossessor noun

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