Definition

The act of taking possession of a place or being busy with something before others do.

Example

Her preoccupancy with work made it hard for her to relax during the weekend.

Conversation

Have you heard about the concept of preoccupancy in real estate?

Yeah, I think it’s about having the right to occupy a space before anyone else, right?

Exactly! It can really change the dynamics of a property deal.

For sure, it gives you an advantage if you know how to use preoccupancy effectively.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preoccupancy → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "occupancy" (from Latin "occupare", meaning to seize or take possession of). The word refers to the state of being occupied or taken possession of before a certain time or event.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'occupied' ('occupancy') 'before' ('pre-') something happens — that's what preoccupancy means.

Visually Confused Words