B2verb1K

Occupy

UK /["/ˈɒkjupaɪ/","/ˈɒkjupaɪz/","/ˈɒkjupaɪd/","/ˈɒkjupaɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈɑːkjupaɪ/","/ˈɑːkjupaɪz/","/ˈɑːkjupaɪd/","/ˈɑːkjupaɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to fill or use a space, an area or an amount of time

In simple words: To take control of a place or space.

Examples

  • They decided to occupy the vacant building as a form of protest.
  • Please don't occupy my personal space when we're talking.
  • The city plans to occupy the area with new parks and recreational facilities.
  • During the meeting, several activists aimed to occupy the discussion with their viewpoints.
  • The army will occupy the strategically important region starting next week.

Usage notes

Used in formal and informal contexts. Common in discussions about space, time, or positions. Not typically used in casual speech about personal matters.

Grammar pattern

occupy + object

Memory hint

Think of an army occupying a territory — they take over and stay there.

Collocations

  • occupy a room
  • occupy space
  • occupy territory
  • occupy time
  • occupy a position

Synonyms

  • hold

Antonyms

  • vacate
  • leave
  • abdicate

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'occupant'—remember 'occupy' is the action.
  • Using 'occupy' with a preposition incorrectly— it doesn’t need 'in', just 'occupy space'.