preoccupy

Etymology

From pre- + occupy, after Middle French preoccuper, and its source, Latin praeoccupo, praeoccupare. Doublet of preoccupate, now obsolete.

verb

1. (transitive) To distract; to draw attention elsewhere.
   The father tried to preoccupy the child with his keys.
   Dr. Beeching's obvious intent is that if Scottish—and similarly unprofitable English and Welsh—railways are to be maintained, it must be done by an unconcealed subsidy; he is determined that the railways shall no longer be preoccupied with—and derided for—immense deficits which include the burden of social services the State must openly underwrite, if it wants them. 1962 October, “Talking of Trains: Passed to you, Mr. Macmillan”, in Modern Railways, page 220
2. (transitive) To worry or concern (someone) so as to distract them.
   It always preoccupies me when he acts like this.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To occupy or take possession of beforehand.