preoccupied

[pree-ok-yuh-pahyd]

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.

preoccupied

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• preoccupiedly adverb
• preoccupiedness noun
• unpreoccupied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupied¹

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

Example Sentences

Daniela, preoccupied by her teenage son’s involvement with gang members, prefers to cut to the chase.

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On the other hand, reports indicate Americans are still preoccupied with inflation, and that elevated prices remain an issue for many.

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An old political poison is growing on the new right, led by podcasters and internet opportunists who are preoccupied with the Jews.

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With America’s wealthiest increasingly preoccupied with security, the proposal in Miami Beach has become a flashpoint for broader debates about public access, privilege and political influence.

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The latter scenario preoccupied some of the policymakers who gathered in Washington this week for meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

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Related Words

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