preoccupy

verb3

1. •
   To distract; to draw attention elsewhere.

   • The father tried to preoccupy the child with his keys.
2. •
   To worry or concern (someone) so as to distract them.

   • It always preoccupies me when he acts like this.
3. •
   (no longer used) To occupy or take possession of beforehand.

   • Terrified at this uproar, […] she ran for shelter into the place which was pre-occupied by the other lady […]. — 1751