preoccupation

/ˌˈpriˈɑkjəˌpeɪʃən/

/priɒkjəˈpeɪʃən/

Other forms: preoccupations

Preoccupation is a state where you're absorbed in something. You may have a preoccupation with video games or Hello Kitty, for example, if you can't keep your mind off those things.

We all have our preoccupations: ideas and things that we just can't stop thinking about. Just as an occupation means someone is living somewhere, a preoccupation is an idea that's moved in to our minds. One person's preoccupation might be making more money, while another person's preoccupation could be learning to ride a motorcycle. We can also say that someone who is engrossed or absorbed in something is in a state of preoccupation; they're preoccupied.

Definitions of preoccupation

1. noun

   the mental state of being preoccupied by something
   synonyms: absorption, engrossment, preoccupancy

   types:

   abstractedness, abstraction

   preoccupation with something to the exclusion of all else

   absentmindedness

   preoccupation so great that the ordinary demands on attention are ignored

   reverie, revery

   an abstracted state of absorption

   type of:

   cognitive state, state of mind

   the state of a person's cognitive processes
2. noun

   an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention
   types:

   fixation, idee fixe, obsession

   an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone

   hang-up

   an emotional preoccupation

   hobbyhorse

   a topic to which one constantly reverts

   self-absorption

   preoccupation with yourself to the exclusion of everything else

   navel-gazing, omphaloskepsis

   literally, the contemplation of one's navel, which is an idiom usually meaning complacent self-absorption

   type of:

   idea, thought

   the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
3. noun

   the act of taking occupancy before someone else does
   synonyms: preoccupancy

   type of:

   moving in, occupancy, occupation

   the act of occupying or taking possession of a building