preoccupation

• Zustand, in dem Gedanken oder eine Idee das Bewusstsein beherrschen; auch das vorherige Einnehmen oder Belegen von etwas.

A noun referring to a state of being absorbed in thought or an idea that dominates one's mind, or the act of occupying something beforehand.

1. Dominant thoughtB2formal

   An idea or subject that occupies someone's mind and holds their attention completely.

   Beherrschender Gedanke

   • His main preoccupation was finding a new job.
   • The artist's preoccupation with light and shadow is evident in all his works.
   • Her constant preoccupation with the past prevented her from enjoying the present.

   Synonymebugconcerncrazefascinationfixationhobbyhorseinterestmaniaobsessionpassion

   Antonymedisregardinattentionindifferenceneglect

2. State of being absorbedB2formal

   The mental state of being completely absorbed or engrossed in one's thoughts, often to the exclusion of other things.

   Vertieftheit

   • She stared out the window in deep preoccupation.
   • His preoccupation with the problem made him forget the meeting.
   • The child's preoccupation with the toy was absolute.

   Synonymeabsorptionabstractionbrown studyconcentrationcontemplationdistractionengrossmentimmersionmusingreverie

   Antonymeinattentionunawareness

3. Prior occupancyC1formallegal

   The act of taking possession or occupancy of a property before someone else does.

   Vorwegnahme des Besitzes

   • The law recognizes the right of preoccupation in certain land disputes.
   • Preoccupation of the building was granted to the first applicant.
   • The concept of preoccupation is important in property law.

   Synonymepreemptionpreoccupancy