Occupying: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'occupying' when you want to describe a situation where someone is physically taking up space or residing in a place. It often implies staying there for an extended period.

• The family has been occupying this house for five years.
• The troops are occupying the territory indefinitely.

Use 'seize' to describe taking control of something quickly and often by force. It usually has a negative connotation.

• The police seized the illegal drugs.
• The rebels seized the capital city.

Use 'take over' when describing the act of assuming control of something, often implying a transition of power or responsibility.

• She will take over the project next month.
• The company is set to take over its smaller competitor.

Use 'hold' when referring to maintaining possession or keeping something secure. It often suggests a temporary situation.

• He holds the keys to the apartment.
• The rebels hold the city under siege.

Use 'control' when you want to describe having power or command over something or someone. It doesn't always imply physical presence.

• He has control over the company's finances.
• The regulator controls the safety standards for food.

Used when taking up space or time, often in a physical or metaphorical sense.

• The books are occupying the entire shelf.
• She was occupying her time with reading.

Used when making something full, whether literally or figuratively. It implies adding to an empty or partially empty space.

• She filled the glass with water.
• They need someone to fill the vacant position.

Used when retaining or keeping something in a particular place or state. This can refer to physical possession or maintaining a condition.

• He held the baby in his arms.
• The company holds a large market share.

Used when carrying out an action, task, or function. Often related to entertainment or professional tasks.

• The actors will perform a new play tonight.
• She performed well in the interview.

Used when carrying out a plan, order, or course of action. It often implies thoroughness and precision.

• The software will execute the command.
• He executed the business plan flawlessly.