Preoccupation
[prɪ,ɒkjʊ'peɪʃ(ə)n] or [prɪ,ɑkju'peʃən]
Definition
(noun.) the mental state of being preoccupied by something.
(noun.) an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention.
Typed by Gus--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The act of preoccupying, or taking possession of beforehand; the state of being preoccupied; prepossession.
(n.) Anticipation of objections.
Checker: Mario
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Prepossession.[2]. Abstraction, inattention, revery, musing, absence, muse, absence of mind, brown study.
Editor: Moore
Examples
- The Commission does not say, and I for one, ascribe the silence to the American preoccupation with immediate, definite, tangible interests. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- Oh, Caddy, you really are an absurd girl, returned Mrs. Jellyby, to ask such questions after what I have said of the preoccupation of my mind. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- The liberal and advanced churches recognize this fact by exhibiting a great preoccupation with everyday affairs. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- The whole drift towards industrial training in schools has the germs of disaster within it--a preoccupation with the technique of a career. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- The preoccupation with the system lays altogether too little stress on the men who operate it and the men for whom it is run. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- It is his constant preoccupation to keep his people from that god. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- That the report of the Chicago Vice Commission figures so prominently in this chapter is not due to any preoccupation with Chicago, the Commission or with vice. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- This does not mean, however, that students are to be seduced unaware into preoccupation with lessons. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- He yielded himself to the charm of trivial preoccupations, wondering at what hour her reply would be sent, with what words it would begin. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- In town she returned to preoccupations which, for the moment, had the happy effect of banishing troublesome thoughts. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
Typist: Nora