(|) ̷ ̷+ noun
Etymology: Latin praeoccupation-, praeoccupatio act of seizing beforehand, from praeoccupatus (past participle of praeoccupare to seize beforehand, from prae- pre- + occupare to seize, occupy) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at occupy
1.
a. : an act of preoccupying or the condition of being preoccupied : prepossession
b. : extreme or excessive concern with something : complete engrossment of the mind or interests
his preoccupation with business left little time for his family
c. : something that causes preoccupation or engages the attention
the preoccupations of daily life
2. obsolete : prolepsis 2b