Occupation
Military control of an area; often starts as temporary. Also your job. Also the space you take up.
How We Say It
okยทyooยทpayยทshษn
Where It Comes From
Latin occupatio โ a taking possession, from occupare โ to seize, take up. In international law, military occupation has a specific meaning established by the Hague Regulations of 1907 and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949: temporary military control of territory that does not transfer sovereignty.
How It's Been Used
International humanitarian law places specific obligations on occupying powers โ to protect civilian populations, maintain public order, and not permanently alter the territory. The Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, ongoing since 1967, is the longest military occupation in the modern era and the subject of extensive legal and political debate. Germany's occupation of France during WWII and the US occupation of Japan and Germany after WWII are historical examples. The word carries legal weight that 'control' does not.