preoccupy
verb (used with object)
to absorb or engross to the exclusion of other things.
has been preoccupying
-
present perfect progressiveof preoccupy (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It seems increasingly likely that I really will undertake the expedition that has been preoccupying my imagination now for some days” is the far from dazzling first sentence of “The Remains of the Day.”
From New York Times ● Feb. 23, 2021
Another said oil prices, and the corresponding increase at the pump, has been preoccupying them for months.
From Reuters ● Apr. 5, 2011
It seems increasingly likely that I really will undertake the expedition that has been preoccupying my imagination now for some days.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
