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preoccupancy

[pree-ok-yuh-puh n-see]
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noun
  1. the act, right, or instance of prior occupancy.
  2. the state of being absorbed in thought; preoccupation.
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Origin of preoccupancy

First recorded in 1745–55; pre- + occupancy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

engrossmentamusementdistractioncaptivationpreoccupancy

Examples from the Web for preoccupancy

Historical Examples

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper