Preoccupation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /(ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən/ pre·oc·cu·pa·tion

Meaning & Definition of Preoccupation

Preoccupation (noun)

  1. an act of preoccupying, the state of being preoccupied
  2. extreme or excessive concern with something
  3. something that preoccupies one

Preoccupation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned

    "the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age"

    similar: fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, obsession, prepossession
    related: monomania, complex, hang-up, problem, trip, appetite, cacoëthes, compulsion, craving, desire, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, hankering, hunger, infatuation, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, thirst, urge, yearning, yen, idiosyncrasy, quirk, bent, disposition, inclination, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency
    near: apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, unconcernedness

Related Entry: Self-preoccupation (noun)

Self-preoccupation is a different word from Preoccupation. The synonyms below are for self-preoccupation, not for preoccupation.

  1. excessive interest in oneself

    "the smug self-preoccupation of a generation that had grown up experiencing nothing but affluence"

    similar: egocentricity, egocentrism, egoism, egomania, egotism, narcissism, navel-gazing, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-interest, self-involvement, self-regard, selfishness, selfness
    related: complacence, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-conceit, self-esteem, self-importance, self-indulgence, self-love, self-partiality, self-respect, self-satisfaction, self-sufficiency, smugness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, vanity, self-assumption, self-consequence, self-content, self-contentment, self-glorification
    opposite: self-abandonment, self-forgetfulness, selflessness, unselfishness
    near: altruism, generosity, magnanimity, self-sacrifice, detachment, disinterestedness, fairness, impartiality, neutrality, objectivity, self-flagellation, self-annihilation, self-immolation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Preoccupation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Preoccupation:

fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, obsession, prepossession

Related Words for Preoccupation

monomania, complex, hang-up, problem, trip, appetite, cacoëthes, compulsion, craving, desire, drive, enthusiasm, fascination, hankering, hunger, infatuation, itch, longing, lust, passion, pining, thirst, urge, yearning, yen, idiosyncrasy, quirk, bent, disposition, inclination

Near Antonyms of Preoccupation

apathy, disinterestedness, disregard, indifference, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, unconcernedness

Origin & Etymology of Preoccupation

First known use: 1572

Words & Phrases Containing Preoccupation

self-preoccupation

Frequently Asked Questions about Preoccupation

What does "Preoccupation" mean?

"Preoccupation" means an act of preoccupying, the state of being preoccupied. As a noun, it is defined as: an act of preoccupying, the state of being preoccupied.

What is another word for "Preoccupation"?

Other words for "Preoccupation" include fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, obsession and prepossession. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Preoccupation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Preoccupation"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Preoccupation". Common alternatives include fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, obsession and prepossession.

How do you use "Preoccupation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Preoccupation" in a sentence: "the future entomologist's preoccupation with insects from a very early age".

Is "Preoccupation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Preoccupation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Preoccupation"?

"Preoccupation" is pronounced /(ˌ)prē-ˌä-kyə-ˈpā-shən/ and divided into syllables as pre·oc·cu·pa·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Preoccupation"?

First known use: 1572.

What is another word for "Preoccupation" meaning "something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned"?

When "Preoccupation" (noun) means something about which one is constantly thinking or concerned, synonyms include fetish, fixation, idée fixe, mania, obsession and prepossession.