occupying

4 definitions • 7 examples

present participle of

to fill, exist in, or use a place or period of time:

The rest of the time was occupied with writing a report.

The house hasn't been occupied (= lived in) by anyone for a few months.

formal A large picture of the battle of Waterloo occupied the space above the fireplace.

to keep someone busy or interested:

On long journeys I occupy myself with solving maths puzzles.

(of an army or group of people) to move into and take control and/or possession of a place:

Troops quickly occupied the city.

Protesting students occupied the university office for two weeks.

the occupying forces