verb
preoccupy
Preoccupy (verb) means to distract; to draw attention elsewhere.
verb
1
To distract; to draw attention elsewhere.
2
To worry or concern (someone) so as to distract them.
3
To occupy or take possession of beforehand.
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Etymology
From pre- + occupy, after Middle French preoccuper, and its source, Latin praeoccupo, praeoccupare. Doublet of preoccupate, now obsolete.
Rhymes for preoccupy
See all rhymes for preoccupy →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of preoccupy?
"preoccupy" (verb) means to distract; to draw attention elsewhere.
What are the different meanings of preoccupy?
"preoccupy" has 3 main meanings: 1. To distract; to draw attention elsewhere; 2. To worry or concern (someone) so as to distract them; 3. To occupy or take possession of beforehand.