preoccupy

verb

pre·​oc·​cu·​py (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpī How to pronounce preoccupy (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Local police forces around the country have long been preoccupied with enforcing state and local law because that’s their reason for existing and primary responsibility to local taxpayers. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025 But with buddy Dino (Jacobson) helping, he now is preoccupied in figuring out how to dispose of this newly dead body. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025 Additionally, black is often associated with negative energy and may not evoke unwanted feelings before bedtime, causing your mind to be preoccupied. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025 If there were any real unknowns, complete or otherwise, on Sunday night, they could be found in the lead-acting categories, which, to a fascinating degree this season, have been preoccupied with considerations of age. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preoccupy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of preoccupy was in 1567

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupy. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

preoccupy

verb
pre·​oc·​cu·​py (ˈ)prē-ˈäk-yə-ˌpī How to pronounce preoccupy (audio)
1
: to hold the attention of beforehand
2
: to take possession of before another
preoccupation
(ˌ)prē-ˌäk-yə-ˈpā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on preoccupy

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