indwell

[in-dwel]

verb (used with object)

indwelt, indwelling 

1. to inhabit.

2. to possess (a person), as a moral principle or motivating force.

   compassion that indwells the heart.

verb (used without object)

indwelt, indwelling 

1. to dwell (usually followed byin ).

2. to abide within, as a guiding force, motivating principle, etc. (usually followed byin ).

   a divine spirit indwelling in nature and the universe.

indwell

/ ɪnˈdwɛl /

verb

1. (tr) (of a spirit, principle, etc) to inhabit; suffuse

2. (intr) to dwell; exist

Other Word Forms

• indweller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indwell¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, indwell is from the Middle English word indwellen. See in- ¹, dwell

Example Sentences

Soon after this Therem left his Domain, saying that he wished to indwell at Rotherer Fastness for a time, and he did not return to Stok until a year had passed.

From Literature

He is also the indwelling wisdom; he is the Spirit.

From Wall Street Journal

Armellino stressed that since a UTI is always a possibility when catheters are in place, "residents with an indwelling urinary catheter require continuous assessment for symptoms related to infection."

From US News

The Cherangani Hills appeared in the distance, a line of mountains on the edge of the Rift, humpy and green, crushed under an indwelling sweep of rain clouds.

From Literature

"I'm sitting in my living room and the cannabis was kicking in at a higher dose, and I could literally feel God. I was filled with love, an indwelling of love."

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• locate 
• occupy 
• populate 
• possess 
• reside