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

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

Related Words

• locate 
• occupy 
• populate 
• possess 
• reside