English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word occupy in English

What does occupy mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

occupy

US /ˈɑː.kjə.paɪ/
UK /ˈɒk.jə.paɪ/
"occupy" picture

Verb

1.

to reside or have one's place of business in (a building, room, or area)

Example:
•
The new tenants will occupy the apartment next month.
•
The company decided to occupy the entire floor.
Synonym:
inhabit reside in live in dwell in take up residence in
2.

to fill or take up (space or time)

Example:
•
The large sofa will occupy most of the living room.
•
Reading books can occupy your free time.
Synonym:
fill take up cover take over
3.

to keep (someone) busy and engaged

Example:
•
The children were occupied with their new toys.
•
His studies occupy most of his time.
Synonym:
engage absorb engross distract amuse
4.

to take control of (a place, especially a country or area) by military conquest or settlement

Example:
•
The army managed to occupy the enemy territory.
•
Historically, many empires sought to occupy new lands.
Synonym:
conquer invade take over seize annex
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Related Word:
occupied