occupy
word
/ˈɑkjəˌpaɪ/
AH-kyuh-py
/ˈɒkjʊpˌaɪ/
O-kyuu-py
Definition
To be in or fill a space; to take control of a place; or to keep someone busy or engaged.
Usage & Nuances
'Occupy' can be formal or neutral. Common meanings: to live in or use a place ('occupy a seat'), to control a territory ('occupy a country'), or to keep someone busy ('occupy your mind'). Don't confuse with 'occur' or 'own.'
Spanish: ocuparPortuguese (BR): ocuparPortuguese (PT): ocuparChinese (Simplified): 占据 - 占用Chinese (Traditional): 佔據 - 佔用Hindi: अधिकृत करना - ग्रहण करनाArabic: يشغل - يحتلBengali: দখল করা - ব্যবহার করাRussian: заниматьJapanese: 占めるVietnamese: chiếmKorean: 차지하다Turkish: işgal etmek - meşgul etmekUrdu: قابض ہونا - مشغول کرناIndonesian: menempati - menduduki
Example Sentences
Someone already occupies this seat.
basic
The army occupied the city for six months.
basic
Children often occupy themselves with games.
basic
What thoughts occupy your mind before you go to sleep?
natural
The building can occupy up to 500 people at once.
natural
He tried to occupy his time by learning the guitar.
natural