possuído

Possuído is a Portuguese word that translates to "possessed" in English. It is commonly used to describe a state of being controlled by an external entity, often a supernatural spirit or demon. This concept is prevalent in religious and cultural contexts, particularly within Catholicism and certain folk traditions in Portuguese-speaking countries.

In a religious sense, being possuído is often seen as a form of demonic possession, where a person's body and mind are taken over by a malevolent entity. This is believed to manifest through changes in behavior, speech, and physical appearance, and is typically addressed through exorcism rituals performed by religious authorities. The New Testament of the Bible contains several accounts of Jesus casting out demons, which are understood as instances of possession.

Culturally, the idea of possuído can extend beyond purely religious interpretations to encompass states of intense emotional or psychological distress that are attributed to external forces. In some folklore, possession might be linked to curses, witchcraft, or the influence of spirits of the deceased. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is excessively driven or obsessed with something, to the point of losing control of themselves, though this is a less literal interpretation. The understanding and treatment of being possuído vary significantly across different communities and belief systems.