Preoccupy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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preoccupy
[หpriหหษkjสpaษช ]
Definitions
mental state
To preoccupy means to absorb or engross the mind completely, often leaving no attention for anything else. It can also refer to being obsessed or consumed by a particular thought, feeling, or activity.
Synonyms
absorb, consume, engross, obsess.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preoccupy |
When someone is thinking a lot about something so that it affects what they do and say. It is often about worry or concern.
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| absorb |
Used when something takes up all your attention smoothly and often without stress. Often related to learning or work in a positive way.
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| engross |
Typically describes a situation where someone is fully involved in an activity or subject, often forgetting everything around them.
|
| obsess |
Often has a negative connotation, meaning to think about something all the time, sometimes to the point of being unhealthy or irrational.
|
| consume |
Implies a deep and often negative fixation on something that takes over your mind or emotions. It can be used for feelings or activities.
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Examples of usage
- He was preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming exam.
- She preoccupied herself with painting to distract from her worries.
- The news of the accident preoccupied him for days.
take up time
To preoccupy can also mean to fill up or occupy time, leaving little room for other activities or thoughts.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| preoccupy |
This word is often used when something dominates someone's thoughts or attention, often causing worry. It implies significant mental engagement.
|
| occupy |
This word is commonly used when talking about filling time, space, or a role. It can be used for both temporary and permanent engagement.
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| consume |
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.
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| take up |
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.
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Examples of usage
- Her new project preoccupied her for the entire weekend.
- The constant meetings preoccupied his schedule.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- When people are preoccupied, it can lead to decreased attention and increased anxiety as their mind races with thoughts.
- Being preoccupied can sometimes be a sign of stress or an underlying issue that needs addressing.
Literature
- Many authors use preoccupation as a theme to depict characters who are deeply affected by loss or desire, reflecting their inner struggles.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often become preoccupied with love or revenge, leading to dramatic consequences in the plot.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters who are preoccupied often miss important events or warnings, leading to humorous or tragic outcomes.
- Popular songs often explore themes of preoccupation, where the singer cannot get someone out of their mind.
Science
- Studies show that mental preoccupation can affect memory recall, making it harder for people to remember important details when distracted.
- Neuroscience research illustrates how preoccupation activates certain brain regions related to attention, often overshadowing other stimuli.
Origin of 'preoccupy'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'preoccupare', meaning 'to seize beforehand' or 'to take possession of'.
- It has been used in English since the 16th century, originally referring to physical occupation before shifting to mental or emotional contexts.
The word 'preoccupy' originated from the Latin word 'praeoccupare', which means to seize or capture beforehand. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of preoccupying the mind has been explored in various psychological and philosophical contexts, highlighting the human tendency to become deeply absorbed in thoughts, emotions, or tasks.
See also: occupancy, occupation, occupations, occupied, occupying, preoccupied, underoccupancy, unoccupied.