oc|cu|py

oc|cu|py «OK yuh py», verb, -pied, -py|ing.

–v.t.

1. to take up; fill: »

The building occupies an entire block. The lessons occupy the morning.

2. to keep busy; engage; employ: »

Sports often occupy a boy attention.

SYNONYM(S): absorb.

3. to take possession of, as by invasion: »

The enemy occupied our fort. The…commanders…descended upon Rhode Island, and occupied it without resistance (William E. H. Lecky).

4. to keep possession of; hold; have: »

A judge occupies an important position.

SYNONYM(S): possess.

5. to live in: »

The owner and his family occupy the house.

6. Obsolete. to use: »

new ropes that never were occupied (Judges 16:11).

–v.i.

1. to take possession.

2. Obsolete. to trade; exchange: »

And he called his ten servants, and then delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come (Luke 19:13).

╂[< Old French occupier, learned borrowing from Latin occupāre seize < ob- onto + capere to grasp, seize]