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preoccupy

preoccupy
Transitive Verb
past: preoccupiedpp: preoccupieding: preoccupying

Meanings

Transitive Verbpreoccupy
[~ someone]

To dominate the mind of a person to the exclusion of other thoughts or concerns.

The upcoming exams preoccupy him completely.

Transitive Verbpreoccupy
[~ something]

To occupy a place or position before others arrive or before a specific time.

The early settlers sought to preoccupy the fertile valley before the rival colony arrived.

Examples

The thought of the upcoming exam began to preoccupy him throughout the weekend.

School Life

She tried to focus on the meeting but her worries about the project continued to preoccupy her.

Business

The early settlers sought to preoccupy the strategic valley before the rival colony arrived.

History

He arrived at the theater an hour early to preoccupy the best seat in the house.

Phrasal Verbs

preoccupy oneself with

to focus one's attention entirely on a specific subject or task

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error