preoccupy
//ˌpriːˈɒkjʊpaɪ//
Verb
preoccupyInfinitive
preoccupyPresent tense
preoccupiedPast tense
preoccupiedPast participle
preoccupyingPresent participle
preoccupiesThird-person singular
1
To dominate or engross the mind of someone to the exclusion of other thoughts.
The upcoming exam preoccupied her mind for weeks.
2
To occupy or take possession of beforehand or before another.
The early settlers preoccupied the best land along the river.