amuse

[ uh-myooz ]

verb (used with object)

, a·mused, a·mus·ing.

1. to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner:

   She amused the guests with witty conversation.

   Synonyms: cheer, charm, please

2. to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in:

   The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.

3. to cause (time, leisure, etc.) to pass agreeably.
4. Archaic. to keep in expectation by flattery, pretenses, etc.
5. Obsolete.
   1. to engross; absorb.
   2. to puzzle; distract.

amuse

/ əˈmjuːz /

verb

1. to keep pleasantly occupied; entertain; divert
2. to cause to laugh or smile

Confusables Note

See bemuse.

Other Words From

• a·musa·ble adjective
• a·muser noun
• una·musa·ble adjective
• una·musa·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of amuse¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Middle French amuser “to divert”; equivalent to a- ⁵ + muse

Word History and Origins

Origin of amuse¹

C15: from Old French amuser to cause to be idle, from muser to muse ¹

Synonym Study

Amuse, divert, entertain mean to occupy the attention with something pleasant. That which amuses is usually playful or humorous and pleases the fancy. Divert implies turning the attention from serious thoughts or pursuits to something light, amusing, or lively. That which entertains usually does so because of a plan or program that engages and holds the attention by being pleasing and sometimes instructive.

Example Sentences

He’s the one with the Oxford accent and amusing tales who hands around the port and cigars while he plots the hero’s demise.

From Los Angeles Times

Even at its most brooding, “Gemini” is enlivened by amusing wordplay and Heynderickx’s wry delivery.

From New York Times

They’re going for a kind of holiday-themed “Mission: Impossible” or “Jason Bourne” vibe, which is lightly amusing for all of five minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s perfectly fine — consistently amusing, sometimes funny, basically sweet, a little sentimental in the finish.

From Los Angeles Times

An amusing scene has two women he robbed remembering little more than how handsome he was when questioned by the police.

From Salon

Related Words

• charm
• cheer
• delight
• gratify
• please
• regale
• tickle
• wow