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DictionaryoccupationMilitary control
noun

occupation

The use or possession of a place.

The city remains under military occupation despite calls for withdrawal.

Etymology
occupationLatintaking possession

Latin occupatio concerns taking possession or holding a place. The spatial sense retains that possession or use rather than the separate employment sense.

More examples

  • The apartment is ready for occupation once repairs are complete.
  • The lease permits occupation by only two adults.
  • Residents endured several military occupations during the war.

Forms

occupation · occupations

occupy verb — To use, inhabit, or take control of.

occupant noun — Someone living in or using a place.

Similar words

occupancy
Usually refers to using buildings, not military control of territory.
possession
Emphasizes having or controlling something, not necessarily using it.