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View synonyms for inhabit

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • inˌhabiˈtation, noun
  • inˌhabitaˈbility, noun
  • inˈhabitable, adjective
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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)
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of inhabit1

C14: from Latin inhabitāre, from habitāre to dwell
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Example Sentences

If barred owls’ expansion is left unchecked, some experts believe they’ll go on to decimate California spotted owls — which inhabit California’s central and southern mature forests.

Before he could inhabit the psychology of his characters, his own psychology had to be stirred.

Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that a distinct Southern California population that inhabits isolated mountaintops be listed as endangered under federal law.

We can’t understand the people we see in movies or the world they inhabit if we don’t go out into that world ourselves.

From Salon

Harriet’s spying is partly the product of her parents’ truancy and partly a result of her deep affection for the world around her and all those who inhabit it.

From Salon

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INHinhabitable