Pre*oc`cu*pa"tion (?), n. [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.

• the state of being preoccupied or an idea that preoccupies the mind; enthrallment
  
• the act of occupying something before someone else