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occupy

[ˈɑːkjupaɪ]

occupy Definition

  • 1to live or reside in a place
  • 2to fill or take up a space or time
  • 3to engage or involve oneself in an activity or interest

Using occupy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "occupy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The family occupies the entire house.

  • Example

    The protesters occupied the park for several weeks.

  • Example

    This project will occupy most of my time.

  • Example

    He occupies himself with gardening on weekends.

occupy Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using occupy

  • to claim or act as if one's position is morally superior to others

    Example

    The politician tried to occupy the moral high ground by criticizing his opponent's past actions.

  • to keep oneself busy or engaged with a particular activity or interest

    Example

    She occupied herself with painting during her free time.

  • occupy a place in someone's heart

    to be loved or cherished by someone

    Example

    Her late husband will always occupy a special place in her heart.

Phrases with occupy

  • occupy one's mind

    to preoccupy or consume one's thoughts or attention

    Example

    The upcoming exam was occupying his mind, making it hard to focus on anything else.

  • the control and governance of a territory by a foreign military power

    Example

    The country was under military occupation for several years after the war.

  • to hold or have a particular job or role

    Example

    She occupies a high-ranking position in the company.

Origins of occupy

from Old French 'occuper', from Latin 'occupare', meaning 'seize'

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Summary: occupy in Brief

The verb 'occupy' [ˈɑːkjupaɪ] means to live or reside in a place, fill or take up a space or time, or engage oneself in an activity or interest. It can refer to physical or mental presence, such as 'The family occupies the entire house' or 'The upcoming exam was occupying his mind.' The phrase 'occupy oneself with something' denotes keeping oneself busy or engaged, while 'occupy a place in someone's heart' refers to being loved or cherished.

How do native speakers use this expression?