hõivama

Hõivama is an Estonian verb that generally translates to "to occupy," "to seize," or "to take possession of." It can be used in both literal and figurative senses. In a literal context, it might refer to occupying a physical space or territory, such as an army occupying a town. Figuratively, it can describe taking hold of something abstract, like occupying someone's thoughts or seizing an opportunity. The verb also implies a sense of dominance or control over what is being occupied or seized. The past tense of hõivama is hõivas and the past participle is hõivatud. Understanding the nuances of its usage is important for accurate interpretation of Estonian texts, as it can carry connotations of force, control, or simply taking up space.