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

In the late nineteenth century, the media became increasingly preoccupied by profit. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

For most investors — understandably preoccupied with energy markets, AI earnings, and Fed succession — the midterm elections probably feel like a distant consideration. —Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

And Buffy is enrolled in Sunnydale’s local college, preoccupied with a hot new (human) boyfriend and her brilliant psychology professor. —ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026

Since the 2024 race, I’ve been preoccupied by the idea of what makes a successful politician in this world. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

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

Rhymes for preoccupy

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi

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