v.
Pronunciation: ' ä-ky ə - ˌ p ī
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: -pied ; -py · ing
Etymology: Middle English occupien to take possession of, occupy, from Anglo-French occupier, occuper, from Latin occupare, from ob- toward + -cupare (akin to capere to seize) ― more at OB- , HEAVE
Date: 14th century
1 : to engage the attention or energies of
2 a : to take up (a place or extent in space) <this chair is occupied > <the fireplace will occupy this corner of the room> b : to take or fill (an extent in time) <the hobby occupies all of my free time>
3 a : to take or hold possession or control of <enemy troops occupied the ridge> b : to fill or perform the functions of (an office or position)
4 : to reside in as an owner or tenant
– oc · cu · pi · er \ - ˌ p ī (- ə )r \ noun