preoccupy
verb (used with object)
to absorb or engross to the exclusion of other things.
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He observes a host of customs that his parents taught him years ago, and many of the obscure facts that preoccupy him have been preoccupying him for ages.
From New York Times ● Jan. 9, 2010