preoccupy

pre·oc·cu·py  (pr-ky-p)

tr.v. pre·oc·cu·pied, pre·oc·cu·py·ing, pre·oc·cu·pies

1. To occupy completely the mind or attention of; engross. See Synonyms at monopolize.

2. To occupy or take possession of in advance or before another.

---

preoccupy

Verb

[-pies, -pying, -pied] to fill the thoughts or mind of (someone) to the exclusion of other things [Latin praeoccupare to capture in advance]

preoccupation n

Thesaurus

Verb	1.	preoccupy - engage or engross the interest or attention of beforehand or occupy urgently or obsessively; "His work preoccupies him"; "The matter preoccupies her completely--she cannot think of anything else" obsess, ghost, haunt - haunt like a ghost; pursue; "Fear of illness haunts her" prepossess - cause to be preoccupied; "The idea of his failure prepossesses him" control, command - exercise authoritative control or power over; "control the budget"; "Command the military forces"
	2.	preoccupy - occupy or take possession of beforehand or before another or appropriate for use in advance; "the army preoccupied the hills" take over, usurp, arrogate, seize, assume - seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession; "He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town"; "he usurped my rights"; "She seized control of the throne after her husband died"