occupy

v. to live in a house or use a room or building.

v. to reside in or use a physical space, such as a building or room, for a specific purpose.

“The family has occupied this farmhouse for over three generations.”

“The administrative staff occupied the third floor of the building while the lower levels underwent extensive structural renovations.”

v. to keep someone busy or to fill your time with an activity.

v. to engage the attention or time of a person; to keep someone busy with a task or thought.

“She occupied herself with a crossword puzzle while waiting for the train.”

“During the long winter months, the villagers occupied themselves with traditional crafts and storytelling to pass the time.”

v. to take control of a town or country by using force, especially during a war.

v. to take and maintain control of a place or territory by military force.

“The army moved in to occupy the capital city after the government fled.”

“International observers monitored the border closely after foreign troops began to occupy the disputed territory in direct violation of the peace treaty.”

Formal

v. to have a particular job or position in an organisation.

v. to hold a specific office, role, or position within a hierarchy.

“He has occupied the position of CEO for nearly ten years.”

“The candidate who eventually occupies the chair of the department must demonstrate both academic excellence and administrative prowess.”

Academic · Formal