preoccupy Definition
- 1to be the main thought or concern of someone
- 2to occupy or engross the mind entirely
Using preoccupy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "preoccupy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The issue of climate change preoccupies many scientists.
Example
She was preoccupied with thoughts of her upcoming exam.
Example
His mind was preoccupied with worries about his job.
Example
The children's constant bickering preoccupied their parents.
preoccupy Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using preoccupy
Example
She preoccupied herself with gardening during her retirement.
Example
The company's innovative products have preoccupied the field of technology.
preoccupy someone's thoughts
to be the main thing that someone thinks about
Example
The upcoming election preoccupied his thoughts for weeks.
Phrases with preoccupy
having one's mind focused on something to the exclusion of other things
Example
She was preoccupied with thoughts of her upcoming exam.
having one's attention or interest absorbed by something
Example
He was preoccupied by the idea of starting his own business.
a state of being completely absorbed in one's thoughts or concerns
Example
Her preoccupied mind made it difficult for her to focus on anything else.
Origins of preoccupy
from Latin 'praeoccupare', meaning 'to seize beforehand'
Summary: preoccupy in Brief
The verb 'preoccupy' [pree-ok-yuh-pahy] means to be the main thought or concern of someone, or to occupy or engross the mind entirely. It is often used in phrases like 'preoccupied with' or 'preoccupied by,' as well as idioms like 'preoccupy oneself with.' 'Preoccupy' can be formal, as in 'The issue of climate change preoccupies many scientists,' or informal, as in 'The children's constant bickering preoccupied their parents.'
