Preoccupied

/priːˈɒkjʊpaɪd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Engaged in thought; distracted or absorbed in one's thoughts, often to the exclusion of other matters.

She seemed preoccupied during the meeting, hardly paying attention to what was being discussed.

Having one's mind focused on something specific, often to the detriment of being aware of one's surroundings.

He was so preoccupied with his work that he forgot to eat lunch.

Characterized by an intense focus or concern that occupies the person's thoughts.

The student was preoccupied with worries about upcoming exams, leaving little room for anything else.

In a state of preoccupancy; occupied or taken up with thoughts, often leading to inattentiveness.

They were preoccupied with their plans for the weekend, ignoring the rain outside.

Derived from Middle French 'préoccupé' and Latin 'praeoccupare', meaning to seize beforehand.

preoccupied with

Completely absorbed or absorbed in a particular thought or activity.

preoccupied mind

A mind that is occupied with thoughts or worries.

get preoccupied

To become absorbed in thought or concern.

occupy

To take up space or time; to engage or hold the attention.

concerned

Worried or anxious about something.

Spacey

She's been really spacey lately, just totally preoccupied.

In a zone

When he’s in a zone, he's super preoccupied with the task.