occupied

American  

[ok-yuh-pahyd] / ˈɒk yəˌpaɪd /

adjective

1. lived in.

   Now that he is no longer a member of the legislature, he and his family must move out of the occupied premises within 30 days.

2. (of space, time, etc.) taken or filled up.

   Have you ever walked into a public restroom and mistakenly opened an occupied stall?

3. taken possession of and controlled by a hostile military force.

   After Germany invaded in 1914, the Belgian Commission for Relief ensured that Belgians living in the occupied region did not starve.

4. employed or engaged, as one’s attention, energy, etc.; busy.

   He is often bored at home, not receiving much attention or affection from his occupied parents.

5. (of a position, office, etc.) held.

   The amount of the salary markup for working under extraordinary conditions depends on the occupied position.

6. Sometimes Occupied (of a place) taken possession of and controlled by demonstrators who see it as symbolic of a social or political issue.

   People stopped outside the occupied library to show their support for those inside, who were protesting cuts to public services.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of occupy.

Other Word Forms

• overoccupied adjective
• self-occupied adjective
• underoccupied adjective
• well-occupied adjective

Etymology

Origin of occupied

occupy ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

The blaze later engulfed the entire building which occupied the corner of Union Street and Gordon Street, next to Glasgow Central Station, causing it to partially collapse.

From BBC

They climbed the steps normally occupied solely by Scots and waited in their lofty vantage points for the Grand Slam champions-to-be.

From BBC

Inside, you’ll find a lively lobby, two restaurants — including Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak — an onsite spa and a pool, more than enough to keep you occupied.

From Salon

The December quarter marked Warren Buffett’s last as Berkshire CEO, a role now occupied by his longtime deputy.

From The Wall Street Journal

What he did bring with him was a spinet piano that he set up in the living room and an acoustic guitar that usually occupied his bedroom.

From Salon

Related Words

• engaged
• peopled
• populated
• settled