occupy

oc-cu-py · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To reside or have one's place of business in a building.

  2. 2.

    To fill or take up space, time, or attention.

  3. 3.

    To keep someone busy or distracted.

  4. 4.

    To take control of a place by military conquest or settlement.

  5. 5.

    To hold a position or office.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    occupy one's time — to keep busy
  • •
    occupy a position — to hold a role or job

Related words

Antonyms: empty, leave, vacate
See also: inhabit, occupation, occupied
Synonyms: engage, fill, inhabit, seize

Etymology

From Old French occuper, from Latin occupare ("to seize, take possession of"), from ob- ("over") + capere ("to take, seize").