preoccupies
|pre/oc/cu/pies|
🇺🇸
/priːˈɑːkjəˌpaɪ/
🇬🇧
/priːˈɒkjʊpaɪ/
(preoccupy)
engrossed in thought
Etymology
'preoccupy' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeoccupare', where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'occupare' meant 'to seize or take possession of'.
'praeoccupare' passed through Late Latin and Medieval Latin into English; it entered English as 'preoccupy', retaining the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' plus a form of 'occupy'.
Initially, it meant 'to take possession of beforehand' (seize in advance); over time it evolved to the current dominant sense 'to occupy the mind or attention' (to engross or concern).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to absorb or engross the attention or thoughts of someone; to occupy the mind predominantly.
Her son's illness preoccupies her, leaving little energy for anything else.
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Verb 2
to concern or worry someone; to be a primary worry or concern.
The potential budget cuts preoccupies the committee as they plan next year's projects.
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Last updated: 2025/11/03 07:01