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

Derived Forms

• inˌhabiˈtation, noun
• inˌhabitaˈbility, noun
• inˈhabitable, adjective

Other Words From

• in·hab·it·a·ble adjective
• in·hab·i·ta·tion noun
• pre·in·hab·it verb (used with object)
• pre·in·hab·i·ta·tion noun
• re·in·hab·it verb (used with object)

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

Snow Rui, co-founder of publisher Hooded Horse, puts the game's success down to the spin it puts on the genre by allowing players to inhabit and walk around the settlements they create.

From BBC

These losses affect many wild birds, and populations of several species that inhabit grasslands and open forests like turkeys have declined to a fraction of what their population once was.

From Salon

In other findings, the study concluded more than 87% were endemic to islands; nearly two-thirds inhabited forests; 45% ate primarily insects and other invertebrates; and 20% were completely or partially flightless.

From Science Daily

Almost 10 billion people are expected to inhabit Earth by 2050, so agricultural production will become increasingly critical to feeding the growing population.

From Science Daily

Starkey, best known for the Netflix teen drama “Outer Banks,” terrifically inhabits this breakout role, playing Eugene as an inherently unknowable object of desire, because that is what he is to Lee.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• locate
• occupy
• populate
• possess
• reside