preoccupy
Preoccupy (verb) means to take someone's attention away from other things.
verb
1
To take someone's attention away from other things.
"The father tried to preoccupy the child with his keys."
2
To make someone anxious, so that they cannot stop thinking about it.
"It always preoccupies me when he acts like this."
3
To move into or take control of a place before anyone else does.
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Etymology
Formed from pre- and occupy, modelled on Middle French preoccuper and, behind that, its source Latin praeoccupo, praeoccupare. It is a doublet of preoccupate, now obsolete.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for preoccupy
See all rhymes for preoccupy →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of preoccupy?
"preoccupy" (verb) means to take someone's attention away from other things.
What is another word for preoccupy?
Other words for "preoccupy" include exercise.
What are the different meanings of preoccupy?
"preoccupy" has 3 main meanings: 1. To take someone's attention away from other things; 2. To make someone anxious, so that they cannot stop thinking about it; 3. To move into or take control of a place before anyone else does.
