The condition or affliction of being possessed by a demon or other supernatural entity.

Back then, people with psychiatric disorders were sometimes thought to be victims of demonic possession.

The condition of being under the control of strong emotion or madness.

Spirit possession is an unusual or altered state of consciousness and associated behaviors purportedly caused by the control of a human body by spirits, ghosts, demons, or gods. The concept of spirit possession exists in many cultures and religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Haitian Vodou, Hinduism, Islam, Wicca, and Southeast Asian and African traditions. Depending on the cultural context in which it is found, possession may be considered voluntary or involuntary and may be considered to have beneficial or detrimental effects on the host.