preoccupation

noun

pre·​oc·​cu·​pa·​tion (ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: an act of preoccupying : the state of being preoccupied

2

a

: extreme or excessive concern with something

b

: something that preoccupies one

Synonyms

• fetish
• fetich
• fixation
• idée fixe
• mania
• obsession
• prepossession

Examples of preoccupation in a Sentence

We need to better understand the problems and preoccupations of our clients.

the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age

Recent Examples on the Web

Tucked inside Aardman’s putty preoccupations is a potent philosophical statement about the irreplaceable quality of the human touch. —Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Those with muscle dysmorphia usually have a belief or preoccupation that their body is weak, feeble, too small, or not muscular enough. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024

What exactly that something turned out to be is the central preoccupation of Hysteria!, a fun, insightful, and occasionally scary coming-of-age horror series that premieres Oct. 18 on Peacock. —Judy Berman, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

Nothing links them apart from my own curiosity and a general preoccupation with how power works. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preoccupation

• self-preoccupation