Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web

preoccupy

 - 2 dictionary results

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


pre⋅oc⋅cu⋅pi⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To preoccupy
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 preoccupy on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: