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View synonyms for

preoccupied

[ pree-ok-yuh-pahyd ]

adjective

  1. completely engrossed in thought; absorbed.

    Synonyms:

  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

/ ːˈɒʊˌ貹ɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • ·dzc·辱l adverb
  • ·dzc·辱n noun
  • ܲp·dzc·辱 adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupied1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

A purely entertainment-driven environment, by contrast, may erode democracy: When citizens are incessantly preoccupied with amusement and spectacle, they have fewer opportunities to analyze and discuss the societal challenges that confront them.

From

Before their hors d'oeuvres even arrive, Henry has the first of about 100 " the hell is wrong with this lady?" moments when Violet becomes overly preoccupied with her phone, but for good reason.

From

As his preoccupied parents and self-absorbed sister boarded their plane back home, he joyously joined a group of local Hawaiian men rowing in the ocean.

From

Joly said Canadians are "preoccupied" by what is happening in the White House and they are looking for a prime minister who has "strong values".

From

He gives us a Stanley preoccupied with his buddies.

From

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