preoccupy
Translation
to preoccupy, to engross, to absorb, to obsess
Examples
Financial worries preoccupied him.
Financial worries preoccupied him.
This question has preoccupied philosophers for centuries.
This question has preoccupied philosophers for centuries.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) preoccupy ((sb.)) to be the main thought in someone's mind Financial worries preoccupied him.
Similar Words
Synonyms: engross, absorb, obsess; Antonyms: bore, distract
Etymology
From 'pre-' (before) + 'occupy' (to take possession of). To take possession of the mind beforehand.
Memory Tips
To 'pre-occupy' someone's thoughts means to fill them up before anything else can get in.