DictionarywrapMental absorption
verb

wrap

To occupy someone's attention or feelings completely.

She is wrapped up in her book and ignores the noise.

Etymology

Wrap uses the image of enveloping something on every side. A person wrapped up in a subject is figuratively surrounded by it mentally or emotionally.

More examples

  • He sits by the window, wrapped in thought.
  • They are wrapped up in worries about their son's health.
  • I get so wrapped up in work that I forget breaks.

Forms

wrap · wraps · wrapped · wrapping

Similar words

absorb
Absorb emphasizes holding attention so fully that distractions fade.
engross
Engross usually describes intense concentration on a particular activity.
preoccupy
Preoccupy often suggests persistent thoughts that distract from other matters.