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 Word Forms

• overpreoccupation noun
• self-preoccupation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupation¹

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

Example Sentences

I need to spend time walking in locals’ footsteps and listening to their preoccupations.

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Lee’s current preoccupation involves a wealthy local family, the Washbergs, whom he suspects of wrongdoing.

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For decades to come, he argues, managing China will be India's "core strategic preoccupation".

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On top of those digital-age preoccupations, Russell sought to indict the petty jealousies that exist among men — a subject, he thinks, that remains taboo.

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But as politics has changed there is less preoccupation with religious background, a greater sense of belonging to an international culture.

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Related Words

• fixation 
• obsession