What is another word for pre-occupy?
Pronunciation: [pɹˈiːˈɒkjʊpˌa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Pre-occupy is a word often used to describe someone's attention being fully engaged or consumed by something. There are several synonyms for this word that can be used interchangeably such as engross, absorb, captivate, and mesmerize. Other synonyms for pre-occupy include preoccupy, dominate, engulf, immerse, and occupy. Each of these words conveys the same meaning of something holding someone's attention strongly. For example, a good book might engross or captivate someone so much that they lose track of time. Similarly, a mesmerizing performance might dominate or engulf someone's attention to the point of distraction. Regardless of the synonym used, the effect is the same - the person is completely pre-occupied.
