Pronunciation

/ˌɑːkjuˈpeɪʃən/

Definitions

• Noun: The action of occupying or taking possession of a place or property. It also refers to a job or profession; one’s regular or principal work or business. For example:
  • The military occupation of the city lasted several months.
  • After graduation, she found an occupation as a software engineer.

Phrases

• “Occupation forces” refers to military personnel that take control of a territory.
• “In my spare time, I engage in various hobbies and pastimes apart from my main occupation.”
• “Occupational hazard” refers to a risk or danger inherent in a particular job or profession.

Example Sentences

• Noun (job/profession): “Teaching has been her lifelong occupation.”
• Noun (possession): “Following the war, the victorious nation took over the enemy’s former territories under military occupation.”
• Noun (activity): “Reading books is one of his favorite occupations.”

Synonyms

• Job
• Profession
• Career
• Employment
• Work
• Trade
• Vocation
• Pursuit
• Line of work
• Business

As an additional note, “occupation” can also be used metaphorically to mean something that occupies one’s time or thoughts. In this sense, it can refer to hobbies, interests, or even obsessions. However, this usage is less common than its primary meanings related to jobs or physical possession.