preoccupation

[pree-ok-yuh-pey-shuhn, pree-ok-]

noun

1. the state of being preoccupied. preoccupy.

2. an act of preoccupying.

preoccupation

/ priːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən, priːˈɒkjʊpənsɪ /

noun

1. the state of being preoccupied, esp mentally

2. something that holds the attention or preoccupies the mind

Other Word Forms

• overpreoccupation noun
• self-preoccupation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupation¹

1530–40; < Latin praeoccupātiōn- (stem of praeoccupātiō ) a taking possession beforehand. See pre-, occupation

Example Sentences

At moments when the Mideast is blowing up, American presidents always begin to ape the language, preoccupations and granular knowledge of the regional experts, some of whom follow from White House to White House.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I need to spend time walking in locals’ footsteps and listening to their preoccupations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Lee’s current preoccupation involves a wealthy local family, the Washbergs, whom he suspects of wrongdoing.

Read more on Salon

For decades to come, he argues, managing China will be India's "core strategic preoccupation".

Read more on BBC

On top of those digital-age preoccupations, Russell sought to indict the petty jealousies that exist among men — a subject, he thinks, that remains taboo.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fixation 
• obsession