preoccupy
verb
pre·oc·cu·py
(ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpī 
preoccupied; preoccupying; preoccupies
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
Trotter’s impact on Bottega Veneta remains to be see in this regard, but her ability to create desire is essential in an environment with such high price points and where people are preoccupied with more than clothes.
—
Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Rather than preoccupy yourself with what people from your old hometown might say, live in the here and now.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
With the right side of the Eagles’ line preoccupied with outside linebacker Jared Verse, McCollough came unblocked and was able to build speed like only a safety coming downhill can generate.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
ProPublica and The Texas Tribune have reported how Paxton has transformed the attorney general’s office into an agency that seems less focused on traditional duties like representing other state offices in court to one preoccupied with fighting culture wars.
—Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
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Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
Rather than preoccupy yourself with what people from your old hometown might say, live in the here and now.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
With the right side of the Eagles’ line preoccupied with outside linebacker Jared Verse, McCollough came unblocked and was able to build speed like only a safety coming downhill can generate.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
ProPublica and The Texas Tribune have reported how Paxton has transformed the attorney general’s office into an agency that seems less focused on traditional duties like representing other state offices in court to one preoccupied with fighting culture wars.
—Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preoccupy
Cite this Entry
“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupy. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
(ˌ)prē-ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shən
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