preoccupation

[ pree-ok-yuh-pey-shuhn, pree-ok- ]

noun

1. the state of being preoccupied. preoccupy.
2. an act of preoccupying.

preoccupation

/ priːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən; priːˈɒkjʊpənsɪ /

noun

1. the state of being preoccupied, esp mentally
2. something that holds the attention or preoccupies the mind

Other Words From

• over·pre·occu·pation noun
• self-pre·occu·pation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupation¹

1530–40; < Latin praeoccupātiōn- (stem of praeoccupātiō ) a taking possession beforehand. See pre-, occupation

Example Sentences

The largest study of student experience in the UK suggests the cost of living is a bigger preoccupation than tuition fees when thinking of the overall cost of going to university.

From BBC

In the past, a person like Chaya Raichik would be widely regarded as needing medical interventions for her all-consuming preoccupation with trans strangers.

From Salon

To some people, this preoccupation with horror can seem tone deaf.

From Salon

It is not hard to see a link between this psychological preoccupation and the eliminationists and other mass murder policies of genocidal leaders, including, for example, Hitler, Milosevic, ISIS, Putin and should he regain power, Trump.

From Salon

Donald Trump has never made a secret of his antipathy to higher education, but scapegoating the academy has become a central preoccupation of his second presidential run.

From Salon

Related Words

• fixation
• obsession