occupy
Translation
to occupy, to take up, to fill
Examples
The army will occupy the city.
The army will occupy the city.
The new furniture occupies a lot of space.
The new furniture occupies a lot of space.
Work occupies most of her time.
Work occupies most of her time.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to fill or take up a space or time. Work occupies most of her time.
((sth.)) to take control of a place by military force. The army will occupy the city.
Similar Words
Synonyms: take over, fill, inhabit, engage
Etymology
From Latin 'occupare' (to take possession of), from 'ob-' (over) + 'capere' (to seize). Literally 'to seize over' something.
Memory Tips
Think of the sign on a toilet door: 'Occupied'. It means someone is 'occupying' or taking up the space inside.