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

Among Syria's many and complex tragedies, the camp has been a particular preoccupation of Mouaz Moustafa, an activist and the director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force. —Jane Arraf, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024

So far, the North Korean reinforcements appear to be concentrated in and around Kursk, which is Putin’s main preoccupation as the January inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump looms, potentially signaling a chaotic new political era for U.S.-Ukrainian-Russian relations. —David Axe, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Clearly, there are preoccupations, challenges, and fascinations exclusive to adults. —Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 3 Dec. 2024

But both became overshadowed by his later preoccupations. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preoccupation

• self-preoccupation