Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

preoccupied

 - 4 dictionary results

pre⋅oc⋅cu⋅pied

  [pree-ok-yuh-pahyd]
Use preoccupied in a Sentence
–adjective
1. completely engrossed in thought; absorbed.
2. previously occupied; taken; filled.
3. Biology. already used as a name for some species, genus, etc., and not available as a designation for any other.
Origin:
1835–45; preoccupy + -ed 2

Related forms:
pre⋅oc⋅cu⋅pied⋅ly, adverb
pre⋅oc⋅cu⋅pied⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. busy; concentrating.

pre⋅oc⋅cu⋅py

  [pree-ok-yuh-pahy]
–verb (used with object), -pied, -py⋅ing.
1. to absorb or engross to the exclusion of other things.
2. to occupy beforehand or before others.
Origin:
1560–70; pre- + occupy

Related forms:
pre⋅oc⋅cu⋅pi⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To preoccupied
pre·oc·cu·pied   (prē-ŏk'yə-pīd')   
adj.  

    1. Absorbed in thought; engrossed.

    2. Excessively concerned with something; distracted.

  2. Formerly or already occupied.

  3. Already used and therefore unavailable for further use. Used of taxonomic names.

pre·oc·cu·py   (prē-ŏk'yə-pī')   
tr.v.   pre·oc·cu·pied, pre·oc·cu·py·ing, pre·oc·cu·pies

  1. To occupy completely the mind or attention of; engross. See Synonyms at monopolize.

  2. To occupy or take possession of in advance or before another.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see preoccupied on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way