Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

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

/ ːˈɒʊˌ貹ɪ /

verb

  1. to engross the thoughts or mind of
  2. to occupy before or in advance of another
“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
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • ·dzc·辱e noun
  • v··dzc· verb (used with object) overpreoccupied overpreoccupying
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupy1

First recorded in 1560–70; pre- + occupy
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of preoccupy1

C16: from Latin dzܱ to capture in advance, from prae before + dzܱ to seize, take possession of
Discover More

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

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


preoccupiedpreop