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

She amused herself by turning all references to “cloud” on her browser to “butt.”

From Voice of San Diego

In Season 2, a self-aware cameo from a certain referee may go over the heads of casual viewers but amuse English football fanatics.

From Washington Post

Instead, Helbert was amused to see a rumpled plastic Walgreens bag left outside for contactless pickup.

From Popular-Science

It alternately amused and annoyed Adams, who repeatedly pointed out that he was following the debate rules, and who unloaded on Yang for leaving the city during the worst of the pandemic.

From Washington Post

Miss Manners is amused that a paper invitation is being sent with a computer link on it.

From Washington Post

The purpose of art,” Bemelmans once said, “is to console and amuse—myself, and, I hope, others.

From The Daily Beast

A purse can impress and intimidate, bewilder, berate, or amuse.

From The Daily Beast

The Embassy produced a short video in advance of the trip, which, in the spirit of our times, is meant to both inform and amuse.

From The Daily Beast

His masters would then amuse themselves by pelting him with bones.

From The Daily Beast

Beauty can't amuse you, but brainwork—reading, writing, thinking—can.

From The Daily Beast

It did not amuse me, nor, so far as I could discern, was Monsieur de Tressan greatly taken with it.

From Project Gutenberg

You think that if a man's charming, that's the end of him, and that all he's good for is to amuse a few old ladies at a tea party.

From Project Gutenberg

When he was in a good humour he used to amuse himself by saying, 'It's the first time a pipe has changed into a shoe.'

From Project Gutenberg

It is a big world she sees, big enough and beautiful enough to amuse a little girl for some while.

From Project Gutenberg

You, who love to amuse yourself in all depths, will you not make an excursion into the depths of Edgar Poe?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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