What is an inanimate object?

An inanimate object is a thing that does not possess the characteristics of life. Here are some key points that define an inanimate object:

• It is not a living animal, plant, or any other organism2.
• The term "inanimate" comes from the Latin roots "in," meaning "not," and "animatus," meaning "alive," so it literally means "not alive"1.
• Examples of inanimate objects include chairs, baseballs, sofa cushions, and even abstract concepts like statutes and constitutions when they are referred to as objects12.

Inanimate objects do not have the capacity to move on their own, grow, or respond to stimuli in the way living organisms do. They can be seen or touched but lack the qualities of life.