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preoccupancy

[pree-ok-yuh-puh n-see]

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR preoccupancy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act, right, or instance of prior occupancy.

the state of being absorbed in thought; preoccupation.

Origin of preoccupancy

First recorded in 1745–55; pre- + occupancy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for preoccupancy

engrossment, amusement, distraction, captivation, preoccupancy

Examples from the Web for preoccupancy

Historical Examples of preoccupancy

The theory of preoccupancy I reject absolutely, but cannot here set forth its refutation.
The Basis of Morality
Arthur Schopenhauer
Preoccupancy during the ages past is considered by infidels themselves a sufficient ground for belief.
The Christian Foundation, Or, Scientific and Religious Journal, Volume I, No. 8, August, 1880
Various
A preoccupancy with religious characteristics assists those who are interested in the problem of sublimation.
Adventures in the Arts
Marsden Hartley

Word Origin and History for preoccupancy

n.

also pre-occupancy, "prior occupation," 1734, from pre- + occupancy.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper