Occupy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈä-kyə-ˌpī/ oc·cu·py

Meaning & Definition of Occupy

Occupy (verb)

  1. to engage the attention or energies of
  2. to take up (a place or extent in space)
  3. to take or fill (an extent in time)

Occupy (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to hold the attention of

    "a puzzle will occupy that child for hours"

    similar: absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engage, engross, enthrall, enwrap, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, catch one's eye
    related: allure, attract, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, obsess, hypnotize, mesmerize, distract, preoccupy, hog, monopolize
    near: bore, jade, pall, tire, weary

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Occupy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Occupy:

absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engage, engross, enthrall, enwrap, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, catch one's eye

Related Words for Occupy

allure, attract, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, obsess, hypnotize, mesmerize, distract, preoccupy, hog, monopolize

Near Antonyms of Occupy

bore, jade, pall, tire, weary

Word Forms of Occupy

Inflections: occupied, occupying

Derived words: occupier (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Occupy

Middle English occupien "to take possession of, hold, inhabit, take up space in, fill, keep (oneself) busy," borrowed from Anglo-French occuper, occupier, borrowed from Latin occupāre "to grasp, appropriate to oneself, take possession of, fill up (space, a position), forestall," from oc-, assimilated variant of ob- ob- + -cupāre, intensive derivative of capere "to take, seize, catch" heave:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Occupy

Frequently Asked Questions about Occupy

What does "Occupy" mean?

"Occupy" means to engage the attention or energies of. As a verb, it is defined as: to engage the attention or energies of.

What is another word for "Occupy"?

Other words for "Occupy" include absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engage, engross, enthrall and enwrap. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Occupy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Occupy"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Occupy". Common alternatives include absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engage, engross, enthrall, enwrap, fascinate and grip.

How do you use "Occupy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Occupy" in a sentence: "a puzzle will occupy that child for hours".

Is "Occupy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Occupy" is a verb.

Is "Occupy" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Occupy" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Occupy"?

"Occupy" is pronounced /ˈä-kyə-ˌpī/ and divided into syllables as oc·cu·py.

What is the origin of the word "Occupy"?

"Occupy" comes from Middle English occupien "to take possession of, hold, inhabit, take up space in, fill, keep (oneself) busy," borrowed from Anglo-French occuper, occupier, borrowed from Latin occupāre "to grasp, appropriate to oneself, take possession of, fill up (space, a position), forestall," from oc-, assimilated variant of ob- ob- + -cupāre, intensive derivative of capere "to take, seize, catch" heave:1. First known use: 14th century.