preoccupation
noun /priːˌɒk.jʊˈpeɪ.ʃən/
/-ˌɑː.kjuː-/ Definition
› [C] an idea or subject that someone thinks about most of the time: My main preoccupation now is trying to keep life normal for the sake of my two boys.Continually thinking about › [C or U] the state of being worried about or thinking about something most of the time: Lately, his preoccupation with football had caused his marks at school to slip.Anxiety and worry - general wordsFear and phobias
(Definition of preoccupation noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
Browse the Dictionary
Browse the Thesaurus
SMART Thesaurus
Synonyms and related words:
- agitation noun (WORRY)
- alarm noun (WORRY)
- anxiety noun (WORRY)
- apprehension noun (WORRY)
- concern noun (IMPORTANT TO)
- concern noun (WORRY)
- consternation noun
- discomfort noun
- disquiet noun
- frazzle noun (TIRED STATE)
- misgiving noun
- niggle noun (WORRY)
- overwork noun
- panic attack noun
- persecution complex noun
- perturbation noun (WORRY)
- stage fright noun
- suspense noun
- tension noun (FEELING)
- the collywobbles noun
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Word of the Day
Blog
Read our blog about how the English language behaves.
New Words
Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.
