preoccupy

[pree-ok-yuh-pahy]

verb (used with object)

preoccupied, preoccupying 

1. to absorb or engross to the exclusion of other things.

2. to occupy beforehand or before others.

preoccupy

/ priːˈɒkjʊˌpaɪ /

verb

1. to engross the thoughts or mind of

2. to occupy before or in advance of another

Other Word Forms

• preoccupier noun
• overpreoccupy verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupy¹

First recorded in 1560–70; pre- + occupy

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupy¹

C16: from Latin praeoccupāre to capture in advance, from prae before + occupāre to seize, take possession of

Example Sentences

Mac Allister was unable to do this as he was preoccupied with the player he was designated to mark.

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It seemed as if the little rodent was preoccupied.

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Penelope was far too preoccupied with worry to notice how the five ga-dongs made a perfect line of iambic pentameter, which only goes to show how extremely worried she was.

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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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Related Words

• consume 
• engross