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

In several high-lying inhabited areas, however, the persistent rains washed away mountain sides that spilled downhill as landslides.

Read more on Barron's

Mr. Rein is particularly interested in empathy, our ability to inhabit the experience of others.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Musk oxen and snowshoe hares inhabit the base perimeter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To this point, it has managed to survive by inhabiting artificial waterways like irrigation, canals and rice fields, where it became a familiar sight for local farmers, according to the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The same might also be said for Evelyn himself, whom we observe with distaste even as we inhabit his thoughts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• locate 
• occupy 
• populate 
• possess 
• reside