preoccupation

• Nom désignant l'état d'être absorbé par une pensée ou une idée qui domine l'esprit, ou l'action de s'occuper de quelque chose à l'avance.

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.

   Préoccupation dominante

   • 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.

   Synonymesbugconcerncrazefascinationfixationhobbyhorseinterestmaniaobsessionpassion

   Antonymesdisregardinattentionindifferenceneglect

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.

   Absorption dans ses pensées

   • 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.

   Synonymesabsorptionabstractionbrown studyconcentrationcontemplationdistractionengrossmentimmersionmusingreverie

   Antonymesinattentionunawareness

3. Prior occupancyC1formallegal

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

   Préoccupation (occupation antérieure)

   • 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.

   Synonymespreemptionpreoccupancy