preoccupy

verb

pre·​oc·​cu·​py (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpī How to pronounce preoccupy (audio)
preoccupied; preoccupying; preoccupies
Synonyms of preoccupynext

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.
Is she preoccupied by what she’s already lost — or by how much fighting lies ahead? — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 England, with their injury problems at right-back, will be particularly preoccupied with neutralising him. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 4 July 2026 In a community where residents are preoccupied with their own difficult recovery journeys, the unity was noteworthy. — Seamus Bozeman, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 This book is preoccupied with self-inquiry; its protagonist takes plenty of procedural detours to cross-examine his fascination with death and his troubled relationships with women. — Boris Kachka, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 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

Rhymes for preoccupy

See All Rhymes for preoccupy

Browse Nearby Words

preoccupiedly
preoccupy
preocular
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preoccupy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preoccupy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for preoccupy

Nglish: Translation of preoccupy for Spanish Speakers

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