Synonyms of occupy in English:

live in, inhabit, be the tenant of, tenant, lodge in, be ensconced in, be established in, ensconce oneself in, establish oneself in, take up residence in, make one's home in, settle in, move into

people, populate, settle

Scottish South African stay in

formal reside in, dwell in

take up, fill, fill up, cover, extend over, use up, utilize

hold, be in, fill, have

informal hold down

engage, busy, employ, distract, absorb, engross, preoccupy, hold, hold the attention of, immerse, interest, involve, entertain, divert, amuse, beguile

capture, seize, take possession of, conquer, invade, overrun, take over, colonize, garrison, annex, dominate, subjugate, hegemonize, hold, commandeer, requisition