prepossess
VerbSynonyms:
prejudice
WordNet 3.0
Verb (4)
- possess beforehand
- cause to be preoccupied“The idea of his failure prepossesses him”
- make a positive impression (on someone) beforehand“A prepossessing appearance”
- influence (somebody's) opinion in advanceSynonyms: prejudice
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Prepossess \Pre`pos*sess"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prepossessed; p. pr. & vb. n. Prepossessing.] [1913 Webster]
1.To preoccupy, as ground or land; to take previous possession of. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
2.To preoccupy, as the mind or heart, so as to preclude other things; hence, to bias or prejudice; to give a previous inclination to, for or against anything; esp., to induce a favorable opinion beforehand, or at the outset. [1913 Webster]
It created him enemies, and prepossessed the lord general.— Evelyn.[1913 Webster]