Words / B2

OK-yoop-eye/ˈɒkjupaɪ/

To occupy is to fill a space, time, or post, or to take control of a place: occupy a seat, occupy the role of chair, occupy a country. Fill and take up are everyday; seize is stronger for force. Occupation is the noun. In speech, take up / sit in is enough for space. Do not use occupy for a two-minute errand, and do not confuse it with occur.

Meaning

To fill a space, time, or position; also to take control of a place.

Examples

• “The talks occupied most of Thursday afternoon.”
• “Marking occupied the weekend, which is the time sense.”
• “Protesters occupied the foyer until security arrived, which is the control-of-space sense.”

Good to know

occupy a place / a post / time. Everyday: fill / take up. Noun: occupation. Mix-up: occur. Forceful cousin: seize.

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