preoccupy

A purely entertainment-driven environment, by contrast, may erode democracy: When citizens are incessantly preoccupied with amusement and spectacle, they have fewer opportunities to analyze and discuss the societal challenges that confront them.

Before their hors d'oeuvres even arrive, Henry has the first of about 100 "What the hell is wrong with this lady?" moments when Violet becomes overly preoccupied with her phone, but for good reason.

As his preoccupied parents and self-absorbed sister boarded their plane back home, he joyously joined a group of local Hawaiian men rowing in the ocean.

Joly said Canadians are "preoccupied" by what is happening in the White House and they are looking for a prime minister who has "strong values".

He gives us a Stanley preoccupied with his buddies.