inhabit

[in-hab-it]

verb (used with object)

1. to live or dwell in (a place), as people or animals.

   Small animals inhabited the woods.

   Synonyms: populate, tenant, occupy, reside

2. to exist or be situated within; dwell in.

   Weird notions inhabit his mind.

   Synonyms: populate, tenant, occupy, reside

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic.,  to live or dwell, as in a place.

inhabit

/ ɪnˈhæbɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to live or dwell in; occupy

2. archaic,  (intr) to abide or dwell

Other Word Forms

• inhabitable adjective
• inhabitation noun
• preinhabit verb (used with object)
• preinhabitation noun
• reinhabit verb (used with object)
• inhabitability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhabit¹

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin inhabitāre, equivalent to in- in- ² + habitāre “to dwell” ( habit ² ); replacing Middle English enhabiten, from Middle French enhabiter, from Latin as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhabit¹

C14: from Latin inhabitāre, from habitāre to dwell

Example Sentences

Although it serves the practical and philosophical purposes of the story, Chad, who comes off as a sweet idiot, doesn’t make sense as a person Russ would imagine or inhabit.

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The world of low-level gamblers is evocatively drawn and Anderson displays an unexpected tenderness to those who inhabit it.

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Hirta is inhabited but only on a temporary basis by visiting NTS workers, scientists and also contractors who work at small Ministry of Defence site.

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But the actors inhabit their roles with commitment, so that even the bad company is good company.

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Officials had expected it would take the floodwater two hours to reach inhabited areas downstream and only people living near the river would be affected.

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Related Words

• locate 
• occupy 
• populate 
• possess 
• reside