PREOCCUPATION
preoccupancy, preoccupation
(noun) the act of taking occupancy before someone else does
preoccupation, preoccupancy, absorption, engrossment
(noun) the mental state of being preoccupied by something
preoccupation
(noun) an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
preoccupation (countable and uncountable, plural preoccupations)
The state of being preoccupied or an idea that preoccupies the mind; enthrallment.
The act of occupying something before someone else.
Synonyms
• preoccupancy
Source: Wiktionary
Pre*oc`cu*pa"tion, n. Etym: [L. praeoccupatio: cf. F. préoccupation.]
1. The act of preoccupying, or taking possession of beforehand; the
state of being preoccupied; prepossession.
2. Anticipation of objections. [R.] South.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition