preoccupy

verb

pre·​oc·​cu·​py (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpī 

preoccupied; preoccupying; preoccupies

transitive verb

1

: to engage or engross the interest or attention of beforehand or preferentially

2

: to take possession of or fill beforehand or before another

Examples of preoccupy in a Sentence

The question of life after death has preoccupied many philosophers.

Recent Examples on the Web

She was also preoccupied with contractors Thursday and was not concerned about the rain. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2025

For his part, Harry is preoccupied with more flashbacks than ever. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025

In the administrations of both Trump and President Joe Biden, the United States has been preoccupied with consolidating U.S. power while restraining Chinese advancements. —Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025

Head is especially preoccupied with making sure his great-grandchildren understand the importance of this land. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin praeoccupare, literally, to seize in advance, from prae- + occupare to seize, occupy

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

preoccupy

verb

pre·​oc·​cu·​py (ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpī 

1

: to hold the attention of beforehand

2

: to take possession of before another

preoccupation

(ˌ)prē-ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shən

noun