interest vs occupy

interest is a noun but occupy is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
interest	Yes	No	Yes	No
occupy	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, occupy is a hyponym of interest; that is, occupy is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than interest:

Other hyponyms of interest include absorb, engage, engross, fascinate, grip, spellbind, transfix.

As verbs, interest and occupy are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of interest include concern, worry.

interest (noun)	occupy (noun)
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
a reason for wanting something done
the power of attracting or holding one's attention (because it is unusual or exciting etc.)
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
(usually plural) a social group whose members control some field of activity and who have common aims
a fixed charge for borrowing money; usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something

interest (verb)	occupy (verb)
excite the curiosity of; engage the interest of	consume all of one's attention or time
be of importance or consequence	march aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation
be on the mind of	require (time or space)
	keep busy with
	assume, as of positions or roles
	live (in a certain place)
	occupy the whole of
	be on the mind of