occupy definition, occupy meaning | English dictionary

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occupy

vb , -pies, -pying, -pied tr

1 to live or be established in (a house, flat, office, etc.)

2 often passive to keep (a person) busy or engrossed; engage the attention of

3 often passive to take up (a certain amount of time or space)

4 to take and hold possession of, esp. as a demonstration
students occupied the college buildings

5 to fill or hold (a position or rank)
(C14: from Old French occuper, from Latin occupare to seize hold of, from ob- (intensive) + capere to take)

English Collins Dictionary - English Definition & Thesaurus

occupy

1 (often passive) absorb, amuse, busy, divert, employ, engage, engross, entertain, hold the attention of, immerse, interest, involve, keep busy or occupied, monopolize, preoccupy, take up, tie up

2 be established in, be in residence in, dwell in, ensconce oneself in, establish oneself in, inhabit, live in, own, possess, reside in, stay in (Scot.) tenant

3 cover, fill, hold, permeate, pervade, take up, use, utilize

4    capture, garrison, hold, invade, keep, overrun, seize, take over, take possession of

Antonyms

2 & 4 abandon, depart, desert, evacuate, quit, retreat, vacate, withdraw

English Collins Dictionary - English synonyms & Thesaurus