noun

preoccupation

preoccupation, obsession, absorption, concern

Her preoccupation with work is affecting her health.

Her preoccupation with work is affecting her health.

Gardening became his main preoccupation after retirement.

Gardening became his main preoccupation after retirement.

preoccupation with ((sth.)) a state of thinking about sth. continuously Her preoccupation with work is unusual.

Synonyms: obsession, absorption, concern; Antonyms: inattention, distraction

From 'pre-' (before) + 'occupy' (to seize). A state where the mind is seized by something before all else.

Think of it as your mind being 'pre-occupied'—already taken up by a single thought or worry.

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