Preoccupation: meaning, definitions and examples
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preoccupation
[ priːˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən ]
mental state
A preoccupation is a thought or activity that you give all your attention to.
Synonyms
concern, fixation, obsession, obsessiveness
Examples of usage
- Her preoccupation with weight began in her teens.
- His preoccupation with work often caused him to neglect his family.
- The constant preoccupation with money was affecting her mental health.
occupation
Preoccupation can also refer to a job or activity that keeps someone very busy.
Synonyms
commitment, engagement, occupation, task
Examples of usage
- His preoccupation as a chef left him with little time for socializing.
- The preoccupation with the project consumed all her energy.
- The preoccupation with deadlines made the team work overtime.
trouble
Preoccupation can also mean a state of being engrossed in something that causes worry or trouble.
Synonyms
anxiety, concern, trouble, worry
Examples of usage
- Her preoccupation with the upcoming exam made her anxious.
- The preoccupation with health issues kept him awake at night.
- The constant preoccupation with the future prevented her from enjoying the present.
Translations
Translations of the word "preoccupation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 preocupação
🇮🇳 चिंता
🇩🇪 Besorgnis
🇮🇩 kekhawatiran
🇺🇦 занепокоєння
🇵🇱 zmartwienie
🇯🇵 心配
🇫🇷 préoccupation
🇪🇸 preocupación
🇹🇷 endişe
🇰🇷 걱정
🇸🇦 قلق
🇨🇿 obava
🇸🇰 obava
🇨🇳 担心
🇸🇮 zaskrbljenost
🇮🇸 áhyggjur
🇰🇿 алаңдау
🇬🇪 შფოთვა
🇦🇿 narahatlıq
🇲🇽 preocupación
Word origin
The word 'preoccupation' has its origins in the late 16th century, from the French word 'préoccupation'. It combines the prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' or 'in advance' with 'occupation', which originally referred to 'being seized by an idea or thought'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of being absorbed or deeply engaged in a particular activity or thought. The concept of preoccupation has been a common theme in psychology and philosophy, exploring the nature of human attention and focus.
See also: underoccupation.