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Definition of preoccupy

preoccupy

/priːˈɑːkjəpaɪ/
pre · oc · cu · py
Adjective:preoccupied
•
Past Simple:preoccupied
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Past Participle:preoccupied
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Present Participle:preoccupying
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preoccupy Lexical Profile

preoccupy Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.

Example

"Concerns about the upcoming budget audit continued to preoccupy the executive team throughout the week."

2

To occupy or take possession of a place or position beforehand or before others.

Example

"Early settlers sought to preoccupy the fertile river valley before rival groups could arrive."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for preoccupy

• Nearby Words

prenuptial
preoccupation
preoccupied
preoccupy
preop
preopening
preoperative

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French préoccuper or directly from Latin praeoccupāre ('to seize beforehand'), formed from prae- ('before') and occupāre ('to seize or take possession of').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preoccupy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preoccupy
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