preoccupied

American  

[pree-ok-yuh-pahyd] / priˈɒk yəˌpaɪd /

adjective

1. completely engrossed in thought; absorbed.

   Synonyms:

   busy

2. previously occupied; taken; filled.

3. Biology. already used as a name for some species, genus, etc., and not available as a designation for any other.

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preoccupied British  

/ priːˈɒkjʊˌpaɪd /

adjective

1. engrossed or absorbed in something, esp one's own thoughts

2. already or previously occupied

3. biology (of a taxonomic name) already used to designate a genus, species, etc

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Other Word Forms

• preoccupiedly adverb
• preoccupiedness noun
• unpreoccupied adjective

Etymology

Origin of preoccupied

First recorded in 1835–45; preoccupy + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Evidence from surveys and from financial markets suggests that neither consumers nor investors are preoccupied with the risk of inflation surging anew.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her teenage characters are more preoccupied with crushes and exams than bombs and checkpoints, and their daily squabbles and concerns helped give the show "universal" appeal.

From Barron's

Somehow, a whole flood of tears had snuck back into my head while my new heart was preoccupied, and they were pushing at the back of my eyes.

From Literature

Even when not distracted by a phone’s notifications, people’s brains are preoccupied with what’s happening on their phones.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mangione’s lawyers have argued they were preoccupied preparing for the federal trial.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• absorbed
• bemused
• distracted
• engaged
• engrossed
• fascinated
• forgetful
• obsessed