occupy
UK[ˈɒkjupaɪ]US[ˈɑːkjupaɪ]
v
to fill or use a space, period of time, or area
v
to live or work in a room, building, or piece of land
v
to enter a place in a large group and take control of it, especially by military force
v
to keep someone busy or interested
Etymology
the verb "occupy" entered english in the 14th century from old french "occuper," which itself came from latin "occupāre," meaning "to seize, take possession of, possess." this latin term is a compound of "ob-" (meaning "over, completely") and "capere" (meaning "to take, seize"). the core logic of "taking hold" has persisted through its semantic evolution. from the literal sense of seizing land or space, the meaning broadened to include filling time, engaging attention, and residing in a place, all connected to the fundamental idea of taking possession or control.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived as a whole from latin.
Examples
the books occupy most of the space on the shelf.
troops were ordered to occupy the capital.
various hobbies occupy her time on the weekends.