Occupy

Definition

Occupy primarily refers to residing or having one's place of business in a building. It can also mean filling or taking up space, time, or attention, or taking control of a place, especially by military force.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɑkjəˌpaɪ/
• Respelling: OK-yuh-pie (with "OK" as in "okay," "yuh" as in "yuck," and "pie" as in "pie")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɒkjʊˌpaɪ/
• Respelling: OK-yuh-pie (similar to American English, with "OK" as in "okay," "yuh" as in "yuck," and "pie" as in "pie")

In both dialects, "occupy" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "OK." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "OK-yuh-pie."

Etymology

Derived from the Old French "occuper," which means "to take into possession, occupy, take up," and from Latin "occupare" which means "to seize, take over."

Derivatives

• Occupier
• Occupation
• Occupancy
• Occupiable
• Occupative

Synonyms

• Inhabit
• Reside
• Commandeer

Antonyms

• Vacate
• Abandon
• Release

Usage

"Occupy" is commonly used to convey the act of residing in a particular place, filling or consuming time or space, or taking over a location or territory.

• The protesters decided to occupy the park until their demands were met.
• The building is currently occupied by a tech startup.
• Reading books occupies most of his free time.

Related Terms

• Dwell
• Seize
• Engage

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Reside or Exist: To live or reside in a location, or to fill a particular place.‍
• Example: She occupies the apartment on the top floor.

• Engage or Busy: To fill or use up a certain amount of time, space, or attention.‍
• Example: This task will occupy him for several hours.

• Seize Control: To take control of a place by military force.‍
• Example: Enemy forces attempted to occupy the city.

• Hold a Position: To hold a particular position, role, or status.‍
• Example: He occupies the role of a manager in the company.‍