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.
The family only lived in the home for three years before it was repossessed and they were forced to move, staying in a handful of homes around the area until settling in a more permanent home in Memphis in 1948. Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026 Horn Barbecue once had a location in Old Town Elk Grove, but it was repossessed by its landlord in January, less than a year after opening. Fresno Bee, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 As Connie explains in the documentary, her suspicions were raised after a car Parker had gifted her was repossessed because it had never actually been purchased. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 Weeks after giving Connie her new car, however, the vehicle was repossessed for nonpayment. Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 14 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 18 Jun. 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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