to take or fill up (space, time, etc.)

I occupied my evenings reading novels.

to engage or employ the mind, energy, or attention of

Occupy the children with a game while I prepare dinner.

to be a resident or tenant of; dwell in

We occupied the same house for 20 years.

to take possession and control of (a place), as by military invasion.

to hold (a position, office, etc.).

to take or hold possession.

verb

be inactive , be lazy , idle , not use , surrender , yield

verb

absorb , amuse , attend , be active with , be concerned with , busy , divert , employ , engage , engross , entertain , fill , hold attention , immerse , interest , involve , keep busy , monopolize , preoccupy , soak , take up , tie up , utilize , be established , be in command , be in residence , cover , dwell , ensconce , establish , hold , inhabit , keep , live in , maintain , own , people , permeate , pervade , populate , possess , remain , sit , stay , tenant , capture , conquer , garrison , invade , obtain , overrun , take possession , take over , preempt , fulfill , reside , seize , take