preoccupy
/priːˈɒkjʊpʌɪ
/verb (preoccupies, preoccupying, preoccupied) [with object]
(Of a matter or subject) dominate or engross the mind of (someone) to the exclusion of other thoughts: his mother was preoccupied with paying the bills (as adjective preoccupied) she seemed a bit preoccupied...
- Although he makes provision for his soul, it is only in general terms and he is not preoccupied with the matter.
- Why do sectarian issues so preoccupy these young people?
- The magistrate was preoccupied with other matters and was not listening closely.
Synonyms
obsessed, concerned;
passionate about, absorbed in, engrossed in, interested in, intent on, involved in, wrapped up in, sunk in, immersed in, focused on, taken up
lost in thought, deep in thought, immersed in thought, in a brown study, pensive, brooding, absent-minded, distracted, abstracted, distrait, heedless, far away, oblivious
engross, concern, absorb, dominate, take up someone's whole attention, take up all of someone's time, distract, obsess, occupy, grip, enthral, consume, haunt, prey on someone's mind, become an obsession with, be uppermost in someone's mind, take control of
Origin
Mid 16th century: from pre- + occupy, suggested by Latin praeoccupare 'seize beforehand'.