Occupy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏠
Add to dictionary

occupy

[ˈɒkjʊˌpaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

To fill or take up (a space or time)

Synonyms

consume, fill, take up.

Examples of usage

  • He occupied the entire room with his presence.
  • This task will occupy most of my day.
  • The meeting will occupy the morning hours.
Context #2 | Verb

transitive

To reside or live in

Synonyms

inhabit, live in, reside.

Examples of usage

  • They occupy a small apartment in the city.
  • The house is currently occupied by a family of four.
Context #3 | Verb

transitive

To seize control of and maintain

Synonyms

control, seize, take over.

Examples of usage

  • The army will occupy the city for the foreseeable future.
  • The invaders plan to occupy the region.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • The word has been used in various peacekeeping contexts, especially since the 20th century, relating to military presence.
  • During the suffragette movement, women 'occupied' places to demand attention for their rights.
  • In the context of urban life, people have 'occupied' public spaces for protests, like Occupy Wall Street.

Psychology

  • Occupying tasks can give people a sense of control and purpose, contributing to mental wellbeing.
  • Studies have shown that when individuals feel their personal space is invaded, stress levels can increase.
  • The act of occupying a role or space can influence identity, as people often define themselves through their environments.

Culture

  • Occupy movements globally have often focused on social justice, challenging the status quo.
  • In literature, many characters 'occupy' roles that reflect their struggles against societal norms.
  • Modern art often critiques the idea of occupation, exploring themes of belonging and alienation.

Origin of 'occupy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'occupare,' meaning 'to seize or take possession of.'
  • In Middle English, it appeared as 'occupien,' which meant to take control of a space.
  • The prefix 'oc-' often indicates something happening against or against a backdrop, like taking control of an area.

The word 'occupy' originated from the Latin word 'occupare', which means 'to seize' or 'to take possession of'. Over time, its meaning has evolved to include concepts of filling space, residing in a place, and seizing control. The word has been used in various contexts, from daily activities to military strategies.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,221, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.