bemuse

[ bih-myooz ]

verb (used with object)

, be·mused, be·mus·ing.

1. to bewilder or confuse.
2. to preoccupy; engross.
3. to cause to be mildly amused, especially in a detached way:

   Apparently bemused by his critics, he floated above the clamor surrounding the campaign.

bemuse

/ bɪˈmjuːz /

verb

1. tr to confuse; bewilder

Confusables Note

The verb bemuse (usually as the adjective bemused ) is similar in sound to amuse , and has in fact taken on the meaning "to cause to be mildly amused." Many usage experts and traditionalists consider this a misuse of bemuse , pointing out that its proper meaning is “to bewilder or confuse.” However, the history and use of bemuse has shown that its meaning is often ambiguous. It's often the case that one's feelings are a combination of bewilderment and amusement: Their customs bemuse most Americans. Even when it clearly means "to bewilder or confuse," bemuse usually retains a lighthearted tone: one would not typically say: I was bemused by his motive for the murder.

Derived Forms

• beˈmusing, adjective
• beˈmusement, noun

Other Words From

• be·musement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bemuse¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; be- + muse

Example Sentences

They had not long set sail when they learned the wrong coffin had been loaded so they returned to port and it was swapped over - in full view of the bemused passengers.

From BBC

I departed, along with other bemused reporters, taking with us any lingering doubts that this would prove to be yet another dead-end in the quest to unmask Satoshi.

From BBC

The delivery to get Brook was breathtaking: dipping and turning sharply into the top of off stump, thoroughly bemusing the England man.

From BBC

Some locals from their visit were allowed to come in, but many watched bemused from their houses nearby.

From BBC

Zo soon moved into a hotel in Piccadilly and joined up with the Polish authorities, who were bemused by the arrival of someone who had gained legendary status - but was also a woman.

From BBC

Related Words

• amaze
• bewilder
• daze
• muddle
• perplex
• puzzle
• stun
• stupefy