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

A good actor can fit into just about any role, and a great actor can make every role they inhabit feel connected, no matter how disparate their latest role is from their last.

From Salon

Van Patten had to inhabit not only the trauma that Knox went through, in which her every move was scrutinized by worldwide media, but also the strange whimsy with which she approaches life.

From Los Angeles Times

The UK's most remote inhabited island is looking for a new nurse to be its only medic.

From BBC

He now lives with his son and wife in a neighbourhood largely inhabited by Tibetans.

From BBC

The last remaining zoo sits on Alcatraz Island, inhabiting the grounds and structures of the former prison.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• locate 
• occupy 
• populate 
• possess 
• reside