preoccupation

Universal Words noun 1 [U,C] ~ (with sth) a state of thinking about sth continuously; sth that you think about frequently or for a long time: She found his preoccupation with money irritating. * His current preoccupation is the appointment of the new manager. 2 [U] a mood created by thinking or worrying about sth and ignoring everything else: She spoke slowly, in a state of preoccupation.