occupying
UK: ˈɒkjʊpaɪɪŋ | US: ˈɑːkjəpaɪɪŋ
vt. 1. To reside or take control of a space or territory.
vt. 2. To engage or fill (time, attention, or a role).
vt. 3. To hold a position or job.
The word "occupy" originates from the Latin occupare ("to seize, possess"), combining ob- (toward) + capere (to take). The morpheme "oc-" (a variant of "ob-") implies direction, while "cupy" derives from capere, reflecting the core idea of "taking control." Over time, the term expanded from physical seizure (land, space) to abstract domains (time, attention). The suffix "-ing" marks its present participle form, indicating ongoing action.
The army is occupying the border region.
She spends most of her time occupying herself with research.
The new manager will be occupying the office next week.
This project is occupying all our resources.
His thoughts were occupied by the upcoming exam.