preoccupy

• Verb, das ausdrückt, dass etwas jemandes Aufmerksamkeit oder Gedanken völlig in Anspruch nimmt oder gefangen hält, oft zum Nachteil anderer Dinge.

A verb used to indicate the act of engaging or absorbing someone's attention or mind completely, often to the exclusion of other matters.

1. Engage attentionB2formal

   To completely absorb or engross someone's interest or thoughts, often in a way that excludes other things.

   Aufmerksamkeit in Anspruch nehmen

   • The upcoming exam preoccupied her mind for weeks.
   • His work constantly preoccupies him, leaving little time for hobbies.
   • The mystery of the missing painting preoccupied the detective.

   Synonymeabsorbconsumedistractengageengrossgripimmersemonopolizeobsessoccupy

   Antonymedisregardignoreneglect

2. Occupy beforehandC1formal

   To take possession of or occupy something in advance, before another person or event.

   Im Voraus besetzen

   • The new tenant preoccupied the apartment before the lease officially started.
   • The team preoccupied the meeting room for their private discussion.
   • The land was preoccupied by settlers before the survey was completed.

   Synonymepreemptprepossess