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occupy

/ˈɒkjʊpaɪ/verb

To fill or use a space, such as a room, building, or seat.

Example sentences

  • “Our family has occupied this apartment for over twenty years.”
  • “Bookshelves occupy one whole wall of the living room.”
  • “Excuse me, is this seat occupied?”

A bathroom sign reading 'occupied' means someone is inside. Armies occupy territory, and a task can occupy your time.

Synonyms for occupy

Antonyms

  • vacate

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

Related words

immerseTo give all your attention to an activity; to become completely absorbed in something.oceanOne of the vast areas of salt water that lie between the continents.obtuseSlow to understand things, or acting as if you do not understand.officeA room or building where people work at desks, often doing business or administrative tasks.obtainTo get or acquire something, by whatever means.offlineNot connected to the internet or to a larger network.