Occupying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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occupying

[ˈɒkjʊpaɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a room

To take control or possession of a place by living in it or using it

Synonyms

control, hold, seize, take over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
occupying	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.
seize	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.
take over	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.
hold	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.
control	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.

Examples of usage

The rebels were occupying the government building for several days.
The protesters were peacefully occupying the park.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a position

To fill or hold a position or a job

Synonyms

execute, fill, hold, perform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
occupying	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.
fill	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.
hold	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.
perform	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.
execute	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.

Examples of usage

She is currently occupying the role of CEO.
He has been occupying the position for over a year.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

Throughout history, armies have occupied territories, often leading to significant cultural and political changes.
The term is frequently used in discussions about colonization, where one nation takes control over another.
In the 20th century, numerous cities were occupied during major conflicts, creating new governance structures and social dynamics.

Psychology

Occupying a space can affect how people feel; for example, filling a room with furniture can make it feel more welcoming.
Studies show that the way we occupy our environments can influence our mood and productivity.
Crowding or lack of personal space can lead to stress, highlighting the psychological impact of occupation.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'occupy' gained new meaning with the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011, which protested economic inequality.
Occupying in video games often refers to players taking control of areas to dominate the game environment.
Films and books sometimes depict occupations in a narrative way, exploring the struggles for control and autonomy.

Origin of 'occupying'

Main points about word origin

'Occupy' comes from the Latin word 'occupare', which means to seize or take possession.
The prefix 'ob-' means 'against' or 'toward', combined with 'capere', meaning 'to seize'.
The word has been used in English since the 14th century, relating to both physical space and social or political control.

The word 'occupying' comes from the Latin word 'occupare', which means 'to take possession of'. Over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to include both physical and metaphorical forms of possession or control.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,787 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6789 withdrew
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