preoccupy

[pree-ok-yuh-pahy]

verb (used with object)

preoccupied, preoccupying 

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 Word Forms

• preoccupier noun
• overpreoccupy verb (used with object)

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

If it seems odd that these fiercely talented, independent women are so preoccupied with marriage, it helps to understand the overwhelmingly supportive and loving environment their own parents created.

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At a time of the year typically dedicated to scoreboard watching and monitoring the standings, the team had instead been preoccupied by its own inconsistent play.

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"We lost a lot of years being preoccupied with wars and occupation and bloodshed."

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Half of them are less preoccupied by the mystery of the missing kids as they are with the drama of their own lives, from tension with their boss to a desperate need for cash.

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England don't want to get too preoccupied with defensive play and have to think about how they can get themselves into good offensive situations.

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Related Words

• consume 
• engross