Preoccupy: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone is thinking a lot about something so that it affects what they do and say. It is often about worry or concern.

• Lately, she has been preoccupied with her job and has little time for her friends
• Her health issues preoccupy her thoughts

Used when something takes up all your attention smoothly and often without stress. Often related to learning or work in a positive way.

• She is completely absorbed in her studies
• The children were absorbed in the movie

Typically describes a situation where someone is fully involved in an activity or subject, often forgetting everything around them.

• She was so engrossed in her book that she didn't hear the phone ring
• He was engrossed in his work all night

Often has a negative connotation, meaning to think about something all the time, sometimes to the point of being unhealthy or irrational.

• He is obsessed with his appearance and spends hours at the gym every day
• She can't stop obsessing over what people think of her

Implies a deep and often negative fixation on something that takes over your mind or emotions. It can be used for feelings or activities.

• He is consumed with guilt over his actions
• The project has consumed all of her free time

This word is often used when something dominates someone's thoughts or attention, often causing worry. It implies significant mental engagement.

• The upcoming exam started to preoccupy all her thoughts.
• He was preoccupied with the safety of his family during the storm.

This word is commonly used when talking about filling time, space, or a role. It can be used for both temporary and permanent engagement.

• He tried to occupy his mind with various hobbies.
• The new tenants will occupy the apartment starting next month.
• His duties at work occupy a large portion of his day.

This word can be used both literally and metaphorically. It often implies an intense engagement or usage of resources, physical or mental. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to obsession.

• His work began to consume all his free time.
• The fire quickly consumed the entire building.
• She was consumed by a need for revenge.

This phrase is often used to describe the beginning of an activity or the allocation of time, space, or resources. It is frequently used when starting a new hobby or task.

• She decided to take up painting as a new hobby.
• The discussion took up most of the meeting.
• He took up the responsibility of organizing the event.