preoccupied

[ pree-ok-yuh-pahyd ]

adjective

1. completely engrossed in thought; absorbed.

   Synonyms: busy

2. previously occupied; taken; filled.
3. Biology. already used as a name for some species, genus, etc., and not available as a designation for any other.

preoccupied

/ priːˈɒkjʊˌpaɪd /

adjective

1. engrossed or absorbed in something, esp one's own thoughts
2. already or previously occupied
3. biology (of a taxonomic name) already used to designate a genus, species, etc

Other Words From

• pre·occu·piedly adverb
• pre·occu·piedness noun
• unpre·occu·pied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupied¹

First recorded in 1835–45; preoccupy + -ed ²

Example Sentences

The population, then at around 211 million, continued to expand, and many who at first worried for the carrying capacity of the planet became preoccupied with walling off the country and keeping the global population at bay.

From Salon

Justice Chandrachud said his mind was “heavily preoccupied with fears and anxieties about the future and the past”.

From BBC

Preoccupied with owning the libs, they abandoned their kitchen to Donald Trump.

From Salon

He said he often became preoccupied with a topic he was interested in, throwing himself into intense research.

From BBC

On the Capitol Riots on 6 January, 2021, she wrote that she "wasn't aware" of what was taking place because she was preoccupied with her duties.

From BBC

Related Words

• absorbed
• bemused
• distracted
• engaged
• engrossed
• fascinated
• forgetful
• obsessed