occupy (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɒkjʊpaɪ/

Definition

To take control of a place, especially by force, or to live in a place.

Examples

• The protesters occupied the university building for three days.

• Many families were forced to leave the homes they had occupied for years.

• The enemy forces occupied the capital city without a fight.

How to Use occupy

occupy oneself with (prepositional phrase)

To keep oneself busy with an activity. — "He occupied himself with reading a book to pass the time."

occupy a place (collocation)

To be located in or take control of a specific location. — "The troops were ordered to occupy the strategic hilltop."

Synonyms of occupy

Words with a similar meaning to occupy:

• inhabit
• reside
• colonize
• possess

Antonyms of occupy

Words with the opposite meaning to occupy:

• vacate
• abandon
• evacuate

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