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

Related Words

• locate
• occupy
• populate
• possess
• reside