amuse

[uh-myooz]

verb (used with object)

amused, amusing 

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 Word Forms

• amusable adjective
• amuser noun
• unamusable adjective
• unamusably 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

The thought of being turned into a fictional character amused her.

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Lady Constance seemed to find this amusing and chuckled at her own remark.

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“Even without ‘The Raven,’ there will be no shortage of stories to keep the children amused,” she told herself.

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As they walked he told amusing stories about life in the theater, which made Penelope fervently wish that she and the children might be able to see a show during their stay in London.

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There was no way to know for sure, but I found it amusing.

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Related Words

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