Dictionary
prepossession
noun pre·pos·ses·sion \ˌprē-pə-ˈze-shən also -ˈse-\
Definition of PREPOSSESSION
1
archaic : prior possession
2
: an attitude, belief, or impression formed beforehand : prejudice
3
: an exclusive concern with one idea or object : preoccupation
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First Known Use of PREPOSSESSION
1648
Related to PREPOSSESSION
- Synonyms
- preconception, prejudgment
Synonym Discussion of PREPOSSESSION
predilection, prepossession, prejudice, bias mean an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something. predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one's temperament or experience <a predilection for travel>. prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it <a prepossession against technology>. prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance <a mindless prejudice against the unfamiliar>. bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing <a strong bias toward the plaintiff>.
Rhymes with PREPOSSESSION
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