preoccupy

[ pree-ok-yuh-pahy ]

verb (used with object)

, pre·oc·cu·pied, pre·oc·cu·py·ing.

1. to absorb or engross to the exclusion of other things.
2. to occupy beforehand or before others.

preoccupy

/ priːˈɒkjʊˌpaɪ /

verb

1. to engross the thoughts or mind of
2. to occupy before or in advance of another

Other Words From

• pre·occu·pier noun
• over·pre·occu·py verb (used with object) overpreoccupied overpreoccupying

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupy¹

First recorded in 1560–70; pre- + occupy

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupy¹

C16: from Latin praeoccupāre to capture in advance, from prae before + occupāre to seize, take possession of

Example Sentences

And he is preoccupied with partisan matters that have little to do with the overwhelming bulk of the department’s vast nationwide law enforcement portfolio.

From Los Angeles Times

Dad’s too preoccupied to fully react, however: Bug is busy trying to pay for the wedding with an exotic toad from Colorado.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

• consume
• engross