occupy oneself

To 'occupy oneself' means engaging in activities that take up time and attention, often to avoid idleness.

Definition

B2General

(common)To engage in an activity or task that keeps one busy.

Example

  • She occupied herself with knitting during the long flight.
  • He occupies himself by gardening every weekend.

C1Euphemistic

(informal, euphemistic)To engage in self-pleasure.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "occupy oneself":

handle oneselfget busyforget oneself