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

"We lost a lot of years being preoccupied with wars and occupation and bloodshed."

From BBC

Half of them are less preoccupied by the mystery of the missing kids as they are with the drama of their own lives, from tension with their boss to a desperate need for cash.

From Los Angeles Times

England don't want to get too preoccupied with defensive play and have to think about how they can get themselves into good offensive situations.

From BBC

But that process takes time, and Congress has been preoccupied with the president's flagship domestic legislation – the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" – meaning that there has been no time or political capital for other priorities.

From BBC

PC Marsden said: "I felt they were not in a position to help or they were preoccupied."

From BBC

Related Words

• consume 
• engross