This word is acceptable for play in the US & UK dictionaries that are being used in the following games:

• Lexulous
• Wordscraper
• Wordosaur

v. To occupy completely the mind or attention of; engross. See Synonyms at monopolize.

v. To occupy or take possession of in advance or before another.

v. To distract; to occupy or draw attention elsewhere.

v. To take possession of before another.

v. To prepossess; to engage, occupy, or engross the attention of, beforehand; hence, to prejudice.

To occupy before others; take possession of or appropriate for use in advance of others.

To fill beforehand; cause to be occupied previously.

To occupy or engage the attention of beforehand; engross in advance of others; prepossess; preëngage.

v. engage or engross the interest or attention of beforehand or occupy urgently or obsessively

v. occupy or take possession of beforehand or before another or appropriate for use in advance

"The exhibition explores an artist who was strikingly modern in character, confronting subjects and themes – the city, sexuality, manners, social integration, crime, political corruption, charity and patriotism – that continue to preoccupy us today."

preoccupied    preoccupies    preoccupying   

usurp    takeover    seize    arrogate    assume   

preoccupied   

prepossess   

occupy