preoccupy
verb
pre·oc·cu·py (ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpī 
preoccupied; preoccupying; preoccupies
transitive verb
1
: to engage or engross the interest or attention of beforehand or preferentially
2
: to take possession of or fill beforehand or before another
Example Sentences
The question of life after death has preoccupied many philosophers.
Recent Examples on the Web Younger Kenyans in particular say they are turned off by the byzantine feuds, alliances and back room deals that preoccupy their leaders. 
New York Times, 6 Aug. 2022 Yet the stories that preoccupy Holes are hard for others to hear. Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2022 Getting bigger and broader, while keeping the Disney brand squeaky clean for its core fans will no doubt preoccupy company executives heading into 2022. David Bloom, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2021 But no one pretends to know what is in Putin’s mind or whether the new unrest in Kazakhstan will preoccupy him and make a move in Ukraine less likely. Steven Erlanger, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Jan. 2022 Many other issues, including soaring inflation and a pandemic with no end in sight, rightly preoccupy Americans. Stephen Collinson, CNN, 15 Dec. 2021 Moore said her support in the wealthier, whiter section of Buckhead would be an asset in trying to squelch a secession movement in the area, an effort likely to preoccupy the first year of the next mayor's term. Jeff Amy, ajc, 30 Nov. 2021 The pavilion will provide bench seating and a coloring table to preoccupy younger children, but audience members are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs. Washington Post, 1 July 2021 Across France questions over the place of Islam in French society and tensions over immigration have come to preoccupy many and have pushed the electorate rightward. Noemie Bisserbe, WSJ, 20 June 2021 See More
New York Times, 6 Aug. 2022 Yet the stories that preoccupy Holes are hard for others to hear. Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2022 Getting bigger and broader, while keeping the Disney brand squeaky clean for its core fans will no doubt preoccupy company executives heading into 2022. David Bloom, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2021 But no one pretends to know what is in Putin’s mind or whether the new unrest in Kazakhstan will preoccupy him and make a move in Ukraine less likely. Steven Erlanger, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Jan. 2022 Many other issues, including soaring inflation and a pandemic with no end in sight, rightly preoccupy Americans. Stephen Collinson, CNN, 15 Dec. 2021 Moore said her support in the wealthier, whiter section of Buckhead would be an asset in trying to squelch a secession movement in the area, an effort likely to preoccupy the first year of the next mayor's term. Jeff Amy, ajc, 30 Nov. 2021 The pavilion will provide bench seating and a coloring table to preoccupy younger children, but audience members are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs. Washington Post, 1 July 2021 Across France questions over the place of Islam in French society and tensions over immigration have come to preoccupy many and have pushed the electorate rightward. Noemie Bisserbe, WSJ, 20 June 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin praeoccupare, literally, to seize in advance, from prae- + occupare to seize, occupy
First Known Use
1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1
preoccupies
verb
as in fascinates
to be thought about or worried about by (someone) very often or constantly The question of life after death has preoccupied many philosophers. Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- fascinates
- intrigues
- interests
- distracts
- occupies
- engrosses
- busies
- obsesses
- attracts
- bemuses
- enthralls
- immerses
- enthrals
- captivates
- involves
- grips
- engages
- enwraps
- bewitches
- allures
- absorbs
- beguiles
- enchants
- charms
- catches up
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- wearies
- bores
- palls
- tires
- jades