occupies
|oc/cu/pies|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑːkjəˌpaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈɒkjʊpaɪz/
(occupy)
in use
Etymology
'occupy' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'occupare', where 'ob-' meant 'against/toward' and 'capere' (through assimilation to 'cup-') meant 'to take or seize'.
'occupare' passed into Old French as 'ocuper/occuper' and then into Middle English as 'occupien/occupy(en)', eventually becoming the modern English 'occupy'.
Initially, it meant 'to seize, take possession of', but over time it evolved to include meanings such as 'to reside in/use', 'to take up space or time', and 'to engage or hold attention'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to take up or fill (space or time).
The sofa occupies most of the living room.
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Verb 2
to live in or use (a place); to reside in or take possession of a building or area.
She occupies the corner office on the top floor.
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Verb 3
to take control of or seize (a place, territory, or position).
The rebels occupy the town's eastern district.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/14 02:53