preoccupy

To occupy completely the mind or attention of; engross. synonym: engross.

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.

To take possession of before another.

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

To distract; to occupy or draw attention elsewhere.

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

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