Definition

Having lost one's possessions, home, or rights, often due to external forces or circumstances.

Example

The dispossessed families were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

Conversation

I read an article about people who are dispossessed of their homes.

That sounds really sad. What happened to them?

They were forced to leave due to rising rent prices.

It's heartbreaking how many families are affected by being dispossessed like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dispossessed → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "possess" (from Latin "possidere", meaning to hold or own) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word describes someone who has been taken away from their possessions or holdings.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'taken away' ('dis-') from what you 'own' ('possess') — that's why dispossessed means to have lost your possessions.

Visually Confused Words