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