Occupy
/ˈɒkjupaɪ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo take possession of and control a place or territory, especially by military force.
/ˈɒkjupaɪ/
To take control of a place by military invasion or settlement.
The troops occupied the capital city.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and you claim a spot or a base. Occupying is like claiming that spot and making it yours, like when an army takes control of a country.
👶 For kids: To take over a place and stay there.
More Examples
The company occupied a new office building.
After the war, the Allied forces occupied Germany.
How It's Used
"The invading army occupied the city."
"Roman legions occupied large parts of Europe."
To fill or take up space, time, or attention.
/ˈɒkjupaɪ/
To fill or take up space or time.
The boxes occupied the entire trunk of the car.
💡 Simply: Think about what you spend your time doing. If you're watching TV for an hour, TV 'occupies' that hour of your day. It's like using something up.
👶 For kids: To fill up a space or time.
More Examples
His thoughts were occupied with the upcoming exam.
The new project will occupy my attention for the next few months.
How It's Used
"Reading occupied most of her weekend."
"The CEO's time is largely occupied by meetings."
To live in or inhabit a place or building.
/ˈɒkjupaɪ/
To live in or inhabit.
The tenants occupy the apartment building.
💡 Simply: When you live somewhere, you're 'occupying' it. Like when you're renting an apartment, you're the one occupying that space.
👶 For kids: To live in a place.
More Examples
The family occupies a modest cottage.
A homeless person may illegally occupy an abandoned building.
How It's Used
"The family occupies a large house in the suburbs."
"The property owner occupies the premises."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Occupy Wall Street
A social and political protest movement that began in 2011 focusing on social and economic inequality.
"The Occupy Wall Street movement brought attention to income inequality."
From Middle French *occuper*, from Latin *occupāre* ('to seize, take possession of').
The word 'occupy' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to taking possession.
Memory tip
Think of 'occupation' – a job takes up your time; occupying a place takes up its space.